How art is uniting communities across city

Martin Evans
BBC News, Bristol
Claudia Collins A crow costume made out of shiny black and purple material, standing in front of a row of books in a libraryClaudia Collins
This was one idea for a new mascot that residents have been creating

Hundreds of people have been meeting their neighbours and breaking down social barriers by taking part in art workshops.

The creative activities aimed at uniting communities have been taking place across the city as part of a council scheme.

In Henbury, people have made a mascot for their area at a local library, which will be showcased at a parade later this month.

Resident Ramona Bigwood said: "Doing art activities together is a great way to meet your neighbours that you live next door to and have something mutual to bond over."

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Locals wrote what they loved about Henbury's Crow Lane on colourful fabric feathers.

These were then sewn together by Kelly Jago, a Bristol-based costume maker who made the chicken feet in The Masked Singer.

Claudia Collins A black fabric feather with chalk writing on a black and white checked table clothClaudia Collins
One of the many feathers made by locals in Henbury

"People just get to know each other and chat to neighbours they didn't know before," said resident Claudia Collins, who helped run the workshops.

"There's been some people that found some things tricky so others have helped and supported them."

Two women, each wearing black tops sitting either side of a table with a black and white checked tablecloth. They're cutting feather shapes out of pink and purple fabric and placing them on the table.
Locals cut fabric feathers ready for positive message

The mascot will be paraded through the Bristol suburb on Sunday 16 February at an event called the Crow Of Triumph.

Leaving at 13:30 GMT, people will wind down Crow Lane High Street, with art activities and free refreshments at the library after.

The event was arranged as part of the council's High Streets Culture and Events Programme, which is funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority.

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