Belonging

Led by Art Asia, Belonging was a community-inspired installation at Westquay Shopping Centre, running from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 December 2020.

Southampton residents, along with people from all over the world, aged 3 – 87 took part in this multi-arts project through following YouTube tutorials. In total, 2,850 people engaged digitally, with 1,162 contributing pieces to the final work.

Responses to the theme of belonging were captured in the form of songs, music, stories, poems, recipes, paper-boats, drawings, colour, and sound, they became part of an installation at Westquay shopping centre. Walking through the installation, visitors were immersed in a site of Belonging. A new sound composition by Pooja Anga filled the air, long, tall, banners featuring beautiful, intricate drawings carefully printed on colourful fabric hung down the walls and ceiling. There were streamers of paper boats, postcards, poems, recipes and stories linked together, hanging all along the walls that visitors stopped to read. The event culminated with an online celebration including poetry readings and filmed performances.

“A brilliant exhibition which raises important questions about belonging and how we can all help each other feel welcomed, safe and at home, no matter our country of birth. The message of inclusivity is especially important at this present time. There is some amazing work, both in words and imagery. Thank you.” Exhibition visitor 

“Entering the Art Asia Belonging art installation felt a little like entering a prayer, a homage to those who always feel slightly out of place. Those who, for whatever reason find themselves in different place to where they started.” Poetry participant and visitor

“Lovely Exhibition. Loved the fabrics with different drawings. Is amazing how many people and kids got involved. Thank you.”