Artistic globe sculptures installed on campus

Four globe sculptures have been installed on Whiteknights campus, following a crowdfunding project last year.

The artistic globes were originally created for The World Reimagined art education initiative in 2022, which invited the public to reflect on the past and imagine a positive future. More than 100 were displayed all over the UK back in 2022.

Following this exhibition, the globes were made available to buy and the University launched a crowdfunding project to purchase some, in order to create a public art trail on campus.

Selected designs were voted on by staff and students, and enough money was generously donated to purchase four globes.

Eagle-eyed staff and students will have noticed these globes have now been installed in the following prominent locations on Whiteknights campus:

• Palmer quad
• Library
• Park House
• Garden next to URS building

What do the globes represent?

The globe designs displayed on campus all reflect different elements of the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade, how we understand them, and their ongoing impact.

The four globes explore themes of slavery and emancipation, racial justice, African music and culture and community.

Dr Hannah Lyons, Curator of University Art Collections at the University, said: “We are proud to host the work of four incredible contemporary artists, who each explore different themes that reflect the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade.

“From exploring the complexity of Britain’s relationship with Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, to celebrating the spirit and culture of the African diaspora, each globe takes you on a journey of discovery. It is important to understand our past in order to create a more hopeful vision for the future.

“We hope everyone that visits campus will enjoy this thought-provoking and striking public art exhibition.”

Public art trail

The globes will be part of a map, currently being developed, that will guide users around all the public art on display on campus. The map is being designed by students in Typography, through the department’s Real Jobs scheme.

A launch event to celebrate the globes is being planned for the autumn.