Artist EVEWRIGHT the Creator of Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories said:
Whenever a public artwork is vandalised there is no justification for it. As the creator of the art, I feel the attack on the bridge personally as a Black British artist and as a direct first descendant of the Windrush Generation. However, I also feel it for my community who continue to be racially attacked and assaulted in all spheres of their lives from members of society who refuse to accept our presence as Black British.
This artwork is made as a celebration of the lives and endeavours of Caribbean elders, from the Windrush Generation. It has been created through the need to preserve their stories and first-hand accounts so future generations can understand the importance of the contributions they made to Britain. This work has received an overwhelming positive response from the public and those who contributed their stories and images. The feedback from the public is heartfelt knowing these stories where being told. Yet there are a few who choose to damage this beautiful work.
This is a targeted hate crime targeted towards the Windrush Generation. Who themselves had to show resilience in the face of the racism and barriers many of them experienced. I intend to keep the damage windows in place on the installation as a visible reminder of the hate and bigotry towards those that are seen as “other and foreigner” that still unfortunately still exists in our society today.
I am part of the next generation and we will resist those that wish to silence us. I will continue to create spaces through art for Black British stories to be seen and heard. It is only through education and awareness will ignorance and bigotry be overcome. They can break the windows but they cannot break our spirit and the hard-won unity that exists in our local community in Tilbury and beyond.
LET THE ARTWORK BE
This art work has been a collaborative effort with the support of Tilbury Port Authority, Windrush Day Grant, Arts Council England, Creative Estuary, Thurrock Council, local organisations and Schools.
