Walter's arts-led regeneration project is an attempt to revitalize a long-neglected area of South East London through a creative exploration of themes tied to the local community. The project focuses on the six bridges visible from the heart of Loughborough Junction, using them to reflect the international diversity of the area. Local artists are collaborating with artists from other continents to bring these themes to life. So far, two of the seven bridges have been completed.
The pilot project is on Cambria Road, inspired by the "Cambrian Explosion," a period of rapid evolution evidenced in the fossil record. Thirty-two artists contributed artworks depicting '“fossils from the past, present, and future”. The once-neglected underpass has been transformed into a vibrant route, where children and adults alike are drawn to the artwork, sparking conversations and fostering community connections. This bridge has also become a site for community festivals, with the artworks tying into literary and musical elements that are part of the broader 7 Bridges project.
Each of the remaining bridges will represent a different continent. The second bridge, themed "Mama Africa," celebrates humanity's evolutionary journey out of Africa and highlights the scientific understanding that all living humans can trace their mitochondrial DNA back to a single woman in Africa. Nine artists have contributed to this phase of this bridge. A vision for an additional sixteen artists, including five from Sub-Saharan Africa, has yet to be realised.
The next project will focus on the "European Bridge," using the map of Europe to highlight regions seeking nationhood. By marking the scars of historical conflicts, the project will feature a unique interpretation from an artist in each country, symbolizing Europe's diverse yet interconnected history.
7 Bridges music
Check out the original music tracks created for the project so far