Exploring Identity, History, and Community Through Art
In February 2025, 14 residents of Bristol gathered at Arnolfini for a unique and enriching community workshop, exploring Barbara Walker’s exhibition, Being Here. This immersive session encouraged participants to reflect on themes of identity, history, and belonging through the lens of Walker’s powerful work.
The workshop inspired open discussions about two of Walker’s thought-provoking series—Private Face and Soft Power—exploring how these themes resonate with everyday experiences in Bristol. The group, ranging in age from 11 to 84, shared their insights through poetry, quotes, and historical materials, including photos, flyers, and newspaper clippings from Bristol Archives. These contributions highlighted the influence of pioneering figures and organizations from Bristol’s past and present.
A Collective Response
Throughout the session, participants crafted a storyboard that captured their personal reflections and connections to the exhibition. The workshop fostered intergenerational dialogue, allowing youth participants and older generations to exchange perspectives on identity, representation, and community.
Contributors included Rob Mitchell, Tina Johnson Martin, Joyce Morris-Wisdom, and Dr. Guy Bailey OBE, and their stories, along with those of the youth participants, provided a deeply layered and inclusive discussion.
Visit the Exhibition
This exhibition is open every day for the duration of Barbara Walker: Being Here at Arnolfini. No booking is required—just turn up during opening hours to explore the powerful narratives presented.
The community workshop can be found on the second floor of Arnolfini.
Listen and Learn More
A recording of the discussion is available here for those who wish to engage further with the insights shared during the workshop.
For those visiting the exhibition, be sure to explore the storyboard and archival materials displayed across the board, showcasing the collective reflections of Bristol’s community.
Join us in celebrating the power of art to connect, inspire, and illuminate shared histories. Barbara Walker: Being Here invites us all to see, listen, and reflect on the narratives that shape our communities.