Community Arts by ZK had an exciting project ‘Colour is Ours’, in collaboration with the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. This project aimed to connect people across ethnic minority groups in both rural Pendle and urban Manchester.

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Working with renowned artist Ibukun Baldwin, our community has been working with the Whitworth’s City of Sanctuary group to provide a creative response to each other’s cultures, interests and creativity. 

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Working with a group of women from Pendle and Manchester from different parts of the world such as Samalia, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, and groups from Asian British heritage, we have explored artwork from the different cultures we are working with, given them a voice, and increased awareness and understanding of one another, improving community cohesion and resilience.

Ibukun Baldwin is a multidisciplinary artist and social practitioner specialising in print, illustration and embroidery. Since graduating with a First-Class Honours Degree in Textile Design she founded Bukky Baldwin Ltd out of a growing awareness of the neglected needs of marginalised communities and the amazing potential within the creative industry to help. Ibukun is determined to use her company and artwork and creative experience as a tool and champion for positive socio-economic change.

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Ibukun delivered creative workshops at our headquarters, Northlight Estates in Pendle, over 12 weeks, whilst also working with the City of Sanctuary group in Manchester. We combined our creative journey, building connections and celebrating culture, art and creativity together and made exchanges with the group in Manchester whilst taking inspiration from the Whitworth’s Textiles collection. Ibukun held combined sessions, workshops, meet ups and visits to each other’s group locations, building friendships, connections and empowering women through art. We also took walks along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, taking inspiration from the natural environment in Pendle. 

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This project has culminated in a final prestigious and high-quality exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery, combining both groups work. This project engages groups who would not usually receive such opportunities. It has been such an exciting collaboration, and we have loved share this journey together.