Art trail to mark legacy of slavery seeks support

A series of painted globes reflecting the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade will create a striking permanent public art exhibition on the University of Reading’s campuses. Students, staff and supporters of the University of Reading are being asked to join the Globe Trail project to help fund, select and unveil the new works of art, which will collectively create a thought-provoking art trail around the University’s three UK campuses – Whiteknights and London Road in Reading, and at Greenlands in Henley-on-Thames.

The globes were created for The World Reimagined initiative, an art-education project designed to transform how we understand the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, and its ongoing impact.

The project asks us to face our shared history and learn from it, to help create a future where everyone feels visible.

Aleiah Potter, co-chair of the University of Reading’s BAME staff network, which has played a leading role in the project, said: “I hope this work serves as an educational catalyst, illustrating the untold, unheard, mistaught history of transatlantic slave trade. I hope it deepens knowledge, creates awareness, and helps everyone recognise the impact of racial injustices; both in the reflective explorations of devastating and enduring legacies, as well as in our present-day interactions and experiences.

“As a shared centrepiece for our community and campuses, we establish a permanent learning opportunity and a physical reminder of our collective commitment to achieving racial justice for all.”

The World Reimagined originally commissioned and exhibited more than 100 globe sculptures across the UK in 2022, creating a platform for creative storytelling that gave the public the opportunity to learn from the past, understand the present and reimagine the future.

The University of Reading has been invited to become custodian to a series of these globes which will be installed across our three UK campuses, creating a University of Reading Globe Trail. The trail will be open to all and provide information about each of the globes, so that University staff, students, alumni, supporters and the local community can visit, learn about and be inspired by the sculptures.

The University will shortly be deciding on which globes will be brought to its campuses. As the trail will be for all of our community, the University will be consulting with staff, students, alumni and key local organisations to have their voices heard on which globes should be chosen.

Join the project

The University is now asking supporters to contribute towards the costs of bringing the globes to Reading and help create a new legacy, aiming to understand our history, cherish our diversity and reshape our future.

Donations will go towards purchasing the globes, paying for installation, signs and information, and an audio guide to help visitors learn about the artworks. Check our progress towards our funding goal and join the University of Reading globe trail project.