Is Better Together

MA Graphic Design self-initiated course project, 2022.

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This authorial project is an artwork celebrating the ethnic diversity of Lewisham and its government's commitment to making it a welcoming place for refugees.

Initially developed as a series of collectable fine art prints for sale (e.g. using the screen-printing technique), it is intended to evolve into a community project, displayed as billboards and posters across Lewisham.

Lewisham was in the past the place of ethnic conflicts (“Battle of Lewisham” in 1977) and is today one of the most ethnically and socially diverse boroughs in London. The current Mayor of Lewisham, 37 years old Damien Egan from the Labour Party, is himself Ireland born and experienced homelessness when growing up with his family. Apart from his commitment to delivering social housing, he wants to “make Lewisham a borough of sanctuary for refugees.”

For some, ethnic diversity, refugees, and the number of foreign nationals in London and the UK are controversial, but despite Brexit, the situation will unlikely change. As the results of the 2021 Census will be published next year, it is very likely that the ethnic diversity will attract attention and it could be a good time for the outdoor campaign proposed.