Art has the power to bring people together. It can give people a voice, through discussion and interpretation. It can focus our thoughts and help us reflect. It can offer a common ground. And that is exactly what the In Common art exhibition and workshop offered artists and
residents in Slough recently.
The event, organised by Viva Slough, gave 22 artists from the town the chance to exhibit work inspired by religious and faith-based journeys, experiences and reflections. And it gave over 100 residents who attended the chance to reflect on their own beliefs, recognising that we have far more in common.
This month, June, will be 10 years since MP Jo Cox was killed. Her first speech in Parliament on the connection has shone a light on bringing communities together. “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”
This message has continued to be an inspiration for work in areas across the country to help strengthen social cohesion, ground connectivity and connection at the community level and keep discussions alive.
Here in Slough, faith leaders and religious groups – as well as community organisations have been working with Slough Borough Council to explore this connectivity further and forge a way of working that enables collaboration, confidence, and open communication.
The council’s aim is to support local people and organisations in building ‘bridging social capital’ in their communities by investing in shared spaces and activities that bring people from different backgrounds together.
Viva Slough was selected to create one of those shared spaces to allow a dialogue about the importance of faith to residents.
The In Common art exhibition was a shared space to focus on creative interpretations of faith and religion. Pieces of art reflecting various faiths were on display before artists took part in panel discussions on their inspiration and how faith and religion are reflected through
their work.
Artists and residents were then invited to take part in a live art installation, weaving ribbons of colour representing different faiths into a heart-shaped pattern. The council was represented as a ‘golden thread’ through them all, holding them together.
Faith in Slough is strong. Collaboration in Slough is strong. Events such as In Common help us all realise we have far more in common than that which divides us.
