Court Hey Park in Huyton is playing host to an almost 7 foot high globe sculpture as part of a national art education project, The World Reimagined.
The World Reimagined aims to transform how we understand the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its impact on all of us. The project features ten large globe structures, created by artists, making up a free public art trail across the Liverpool City Region, bringing to life the reality and impact of transatlantic slavery and inviting the public to think about ways to make racial justice a reality.
The installation runs from Saturday 13 August – 31 October, with a walking trail of five large globes located around Liverpool city centre, with a further large globe in prominent locations in Knowsley, Halton, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.
In addition to the large sculpture at Court Hey Park, smaller sculptures are also on display at the Culture Hub in Huyton. These have been painted by local school children at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, Knowsley Village, Alt Bridge Secondary School, Huyton, and Evelyn Community Primary School, Prescot as well as Flourish and Succeed at The Craigs Community Centre, Stockbridge Village and Knowsley Youth Cabinet at Our Place, Huyton.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council visited Court Hey Park to see the installation and commented:
“We are very proud to be part of this project and to play a part in promoting race equality here in Knowsley.
“The history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade is our shared history and one we must explore and learn from. Hosting these sculptures in Knowsley gives us and our communities the opportunity to reflect on this period of history and to raise awareness and promote understanding today.
“This year Knowsley is celebrating its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture and importantly this project forms part of our wider programme at a time when we’re celebrating the borough’s communities and heritage.”
The project has been brought to the region by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, as the main local sponsor. The Combined Authority is working very closely with the region’s six local authorities and other partners including National Museums Liverpool and other cultural and community organisations, to deliver activities across the entire city region.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“History gives us an opportunity to learn, to reflect, and to remember the lessons and mistakes of the generations before us – and ensure that they are never repeated. While it can be uncomfortable to face up to some of the darker chapters of our region’s past, it is vital that we continue to reflect on the whole of our history.
“Today, our region’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths – it enhances our culture, enriches our lives, and makes our area one of the best places in the country to live and work. While we’ve come so far on our journey, it’s clear that there’s still a lot of work to be done to tackle racial inequality.
“More than 1.6m people call our city region ‘home’ – and I want to make sure that every single one of them has the chance to be a part of this important moment in our shared history. Each of our six boroughs has helped to bring The World Reimagined to life and it’s been fantastic to see how local schoolchildren and community groups have got stuck in..
“I think that this project will teach us about the past – and the future – of our home, and help to shape a better future for our city region – where no one is left behind.”
The globe has been painted by artist Kimathi Donkor, a London-based contemporary artist whose work considers the history and myths of Africa and its global Diasporas. His globe explores the theme of ‘Expanding Soul’ and celebrates the spirit and culture that, even in the face of incredible physical suffering, has endured, stayed vibrant and found expression across the world in music, art, food and so much more.
Karen Gallagher, MBE, Creative Producer of The World Reimagined in the Liverpool City Region, said:
“What is so wonderful about this project is that it has given opportunities for young and old alike to come together and learn from each other, not just about our history and its impact, but how we can make a difference if we work together with compassion and respect. The creativity that is represented on the large and smaller globes is stunning and I can’t wait for the whole city region to experience the trail and get involved.”
The World Reimagined in Knowsley
BOROUGH OF CULTURE
Knowsley’s participation in The World Reimagined forms part of the borough’s wider programme of events for its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.
During the summer residents and visitors alike can enjoy a range of events for FREE with highlights including:
The Owl and The Pussy-Cat sculpture trail on until – 4 September
United by Land with workshops in August and September
Tale of the Unexpected at Kirkby Gallery until 17 September
To get all the latest information about the year visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk or follow @cultureknowsley on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk.