Signs of the Times

Friday 20th August 2021

In the first ever event from ZEST artists, Signs of the Times was a collaboration between ZEST Collective and the local community that surrounds our studios on Old Northam Road, represented by Northam Local Conversation Group, West Itchen Community Trust and Northam 521 Youth Project.

Artists, young people and residents co-created signs and posters that remember the history and heritage of Old Northam Road and envision its future: radical artistic interventions in highly visible places.

Nine ZEST artists created signs, based on conversations with local community members, shared stories and historical research about the area. Three ZEST artists hosted workshops with young people from 521 Youth Centre, focused on the theme of ‘signs’, a motif that each artist has interpreted in different and exciting ways. The artists’ signs and the outcomes of the workshops are displayed on the street bringing together and combining work made by ZEST and work made by the community, followed by an exhibition in the Hidden Wardrobe.

This project was graciously funded by Arts Council England and supported by ‘a space’ arts.

Exhibiting artists included: Poppy Ash, Jess Curtis, Benji Heinke, James Hewins, Maryam Zahra Kazimi, Jojo Lewis, Bryn Lloyd, Imogen Marooney, Carolyn NiChonbhai, Mandy Smith, Alexandra Sutherland, Fred Thornton