Bath mum Diana Ahmed is working with schools and community groups across Twerton to brighten up the local high street through a project called We Love Twerton.
“I was inspired by the contrast in the depressing feel of Twerton High Street compared to the the lively atmosphere in nearby Moorland Road and Chelsea Road, with their alfresco dining and popular locations,” commented Diana, who has lived in Twerton for 15 years and is a fine arts graduate. “I saw that there was so much potential for the Twerton high street too and thought that it would be ideal to create an art project in public places that would benefit the local community and bring with it a real mental health benefit too for residents across the region.
“This, in turn, could bring with it a community art studio to provide residents of all generations with the chance to access workshops and create their own art projects, allowing local’s voices to be heard and acknowledging that the power of art can break through all political and social barriers.”
To help launch the project, Diana contacted local organisations including Twerton Infants School and St Michael’s Primary School, as well as the Southside Youth Hub, Bath City Football Club and local church groups.
“The response for the schools and other groups was really positive. Following an initial assembly on Zoom, St Michael’s were soon working on blue face self portraits as an homage to the industrial dyers at Twerton Mill and a look at child labour. Twerton Primary School, meanwhile, created an art work of flowers in remembrance of the Innox Park Flower Show that was held in the park and brought commerce into Twerton.”
Diana has now collected these works, and others from the Twerton community, and is planning to have them printed and exhibited around the area. To help to work towards this goal, she has set-up a Go Fund Me page – which you can find here – and is inviting people and businesses from across the region to support this community project.