‘Hiraeth – Belonging Across Borders’ builds on the success of the Wrexham Station Art Project, collaborating with artist Sophia Leadill, a local refugee group, the Wallich, Housing Justice and KIM Inspire. Phase 2 of the Wrexham Station Art Project has been kindly funded by Transport for Wales.
We will use the room at the back of the waiting room on Platform 3 at Wrexham General railway station as our base. We want to offer marginalised groups, who might not typically have the opportunity, the chance to explore local places along the railway lines and reflect on themes of Hiraeth (a Welsh concept of longing for home) and belonging.
Aims
To provide artistic inspiration and a sense of adventure, exploring new places and experiences for underrepresented groups.
Enhance the well-being of participants.
Foster a sense of belonging amongst participants with the wider community.
Contribute to the local economy and create a possible income source for the charities we will be working with.
Provide a platform for community engagement.
Develop new skills and artistic expressions among participants.
Objectives
We will organise a series of field trips for the participants to various destinations along the railway lines.
Our artist, Sophia Leadill, will work with groups such as KIM Inspire, The Wallich, Housing Justice and a local refugee group to offer workshops where participants can express their feelings through diverse mediums such as textiles, sound and drawings.
An exhibition will be organised to showcase the participants’ artwork.
Produce products with the participants’ designs to sell and raise money for their respective groups.
Partners
Sophia Leadill – Lead artist guiding the creative process
Local Refugee Group
The Wallich
Housing Justice
KIM Inspire
Transport for Wales
Miners Rescue Station Art Room
Project Delivery
Following the initial planning phase and outreach work for participant recruitment we will conduct field trips and begin art exploration sessions. These sessions will take place at a number of locations such as the Miners Rescue Station Art Room and the ‘Artist in Residence’ room at Wrexham General railway station.
We will work with participants to refine their artwork and start to prepare the launch exhibition. During and following the exhibition we will develop and market products featuring participant designs.
