Communities eradicate racism through art

The best way to tackle racist graffiti is with better graffiti. That belief is at the heart of a new bid to wipe out offensive artwork defacing city walls.

Coming together to erase some horrendous images two campaigners havereplaced racist graffiti with a unifying heart made out of two hands of different skin colours.

Karima Shah and Nick Woods created the Diaspora Arts charity to promote unity using arts and creative education.

Both with backgrounds in teaching and social outreach, it seemed the obvious choice to use their strengths to help the community.

Karima noticed while walking around the Millfield area, there were prominent hotspots of graffiti. In particular the underpasses between Taverners Road and Mayor’s Walk. The graffiti contained a number of racist phrases and symbols.

The group received funding from the National Lottery and Near Neighbours Project to help transform the local area.

Karima said: “We wish to teach a sense of togetherness and community. We are working towards a community celebration day. We encourage local artists, talented poets, singers, dancers and creatives to contact us.”

Nick Woods, Co-Founder said: “We wanted to address this revolting graffiti which simply has no place here. Not just by cleaning it up and covering over it, but by encouraging local residents and to participate in transforming the spaces andtake ownership and strengthen community ties.”

Their vision to use arts to promote inclusivity rung true with Street Arts Ltd. Founder, Nathan Murdoch who lived in the area when he was younger.

Seeing the search on social media for some help Nathan got in touch.

He said: “Graffiti culture taught me something valuable at a young age. Regardless of status, education, wealth, colour we are friends because we share a passion for something.”

Nathan experienced racism growing up and said: “I didn’t understand what was happening until I grew older.

“An incident I remember particularly was being told I needed a passport to be in this area. Starting secondary school the divide between the cultures was clear.

“That’s where I first learnt what racism was. As I’ve grown older I’ve met people of all cultures, religions and ethnicities who are wonderful people.”

The Diaspora Charity is planning an Arts Against Racism community day in summer 2020. Though beforehand they plan to promote the collective with a number of smaller events.

The new image