New artwork has been unveiled at Bath Spa railway station as part of a project working with the refugee community in the city.
People viewing the artwork at Bath Spa railway station | Photo © GWR
Severnside Community Rail Partnership successfully applied for a £2210 grant from the Great Western Railway (GWR) Customer and Community Improvement Fund, which supports local communities and addresses areas of social need.
As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is working to support schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
The new artwork created by artist Kurda Yar, who worked with local refugees through free workshops for families and encouraged people of all ages to get creative, can be seen at the station in Dorchester Street.
Working to the theme ‘Our Home’, the groups played with pens, watercolours and spray bottles, making brightly coloured imagery.
The theme inspired the artists to create pieces sharing what ‘home’ meant to them, whether that was friends, family and their communities, favourite foods, or a safe space to rest.
Over 70 pieces of artwork were made, from which Kurda selected a few standalone images. The rest were collaged to create new artworks for the permanent display.
Faye Keane, Severnside Community Rail Partnership’s Community Development Officer, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding from Great Western Railway, which has enabled the opportunity for positive representation of the people supported by Bath Welcomes Refugees.
“The workshops were enjoyed by all, and the finished pieces tell a beautiful story of what is meant by ‘Our Home’.
“Severnside Community Rail Partnership have worked closely with Bath Welcomes Refugees to design and facilitate the project with the intention to help to make recently settled families feel valued and that they belong to the local community.”
The artwork is on permanent display on Platform 2 at Bath Spa.
GWR Senior Community Impact Manager, Emma Morris, said: “The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.
“We’re delighted to support the ‘Welcome to Bath Spa Station’ art scheme as this wonderful display provides a warm welcome to all who pass through the station.
“The pieces beautifully showcase the artistic talents of so many local people, as well as the strong sense of community that makes Bath one of the most welcoming cities to live in and visit in the South West.”
