Art / Bristol Bus Boycott
Exhibition commemorates efforts of Bus Boycott ‘heroes and sheroes’
A new exhibition showcasing the city’s “resistance and legacy” thanks to the Bristol Bus Boycott movement has opened.
Commemorating 60 years since the Race Relations Act was implemented, the Bristol Bus Boycott (X)hibition at the Vestibules on College Green honours the many “heroes and sheroes” who have helped shape the city’s history.
Organised by local “think-and-do tank” Curiosity UnLtd, the free-to-visit exhibition pays homage to people including Paul Stephenson and Guy Bailey.
The exhibition aims to remind Bristol of the importance of the Bristol Bust Boycott’s history – photo: Lillian Wolford
Disrupter-in-chief at Curiosity UnLtd Julian Davis said: “The Xhibition brings to life the protest that transformed Britain’s race relations for good, inviting the public to reflect on the past, present, and future of protest, progress, and power through a blend of historical tributes and current activism.”
Artwork displayed around the room aims to takes visitors back in time, introducing them to the history of the Bristol Bus Boycott movement and how its pioneers shaped new and important laws in the UK.
Megan Treacy, an artist featured in the exhibit, said: “My piece aims to foreground the strength that grassroots movements can have and to encourage the idea that there is always more room to grow.”
The installation honours the pioneering work of the Bristol Bus Boycott “heroes and sheroes” – photo: Susie Long
Visitors can also contribute to the conversation through interactive drawing and writing pieces at the exhibition.
“I have always believed that art and creativity have the power to shift thinking and create dialogue, especially around social issues and equality,” said Luke Emmett, an artist displayed in the space.
Bristol Bus Boycott (X)hibition will be on display at the Vestibules until October 17. It will also be shown from October 22 to November 8 at Sparks in Broadmead, before appearing as a pop-up at Talks4Change: Pioneers of Progress at the Wills Memorial Building on November 11.
Main photo: Susie Long
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