Photo: Oliver Thistlewood
Synopsis
Bedminster is changing fast, but what makes this part of Bristol unique and how can its character be carried forward during regeneration?
These are questions at the heart of Common Threads, an eight-month residency by Bristol-based restorative poet Leeza Awojobi, who is working with local people to explore the evolving identity of South Bristol.
Through poetry, gatherings and creative conversations, Common Threads is uncovering the fabric of everyday life in Bedminster, bringing together stories, cultures and perspectives from across the community.
Awojobi’s new work-in-progress poem, Before Bemmy, reflects on the neighbourhood’s shifting identities:
“earth and hands and minds were mingled in this place
back into the crumbled cliffs of an inner city landscape back into this old budding parish, older than the rest of the city… older than Easton and St Philips, older than Southmead and Clifton…”
At the heart of the residency is Swapping Chairs, a series of informal events where local people exchange views, memories and experiences. Textile artist Zoe Gibbons has responded to some of these gatherings through collaborative making.
Related Events:
The project culminates in a public showcase at Windmill Hill City Farm on Wednesday 15 October 2025, a chance for Bedminster residents past and present to experience the stories, poetry and creativity gathered through Common Threads.
Further credits:
Project Illustrations by Yoli Ward-Streeter
Project Photography by Ollie Thistlewood
Further Reading
Common Threads is the culmination of an eight-month artist residency, commissioned to explore the evolving identity of Bedminster Green, as part of the area’s wider regeneration. Commissioned by Ginkgo Projects and funded by Watkin Jones plc, with support from Bristol City Council and Windmill City Farm, the project invites local residents and partners to reflect on what makes this part of Bristol unique — and what connects its diverse communities.
Leeza Awojobi is a Bristol-based restorative poet who writes to explore what it means to be human and understand across differences. A keen learner of culture and theology, she gets excited when she sees threads extend within and across both.
She started her professional journey with the Creative Youth Network who commissioned her debut piece, A Meal Around Bristol and in 2021, was awarded £10,000 from Arts Council England to explore poetry and materials. She’s interested in what makes us tick, especially how our different perspectives affect the way we problem solve and interact with our surroundings. With her community mediation training, she uses her skills to facilitate well-crafted gatherings which get people creatively engaged and eagerly talking about what’s most important to them. She is currently Poet-in-Residence at Bridges for Communities, where she performs at their Peace Feasts and engages their Listening Spaces.
Ginkgo Projects is an independent public art and cultural producer, creating opportunities for artists and designers to work closely with clients and communities to build and reveal places that have a sense of narrative, distinctiveness and identity.
www.ginkgoprojects.co.uk
Textile artist Zoe Gibbons, known for freehand machine embroidery and collage, has collaborated with poet Leeza on stitched artworks inspired by her poetry for Common Threads. Together, they’ve transformed memories into textiles overlaid on a map of Bedminster. The artwork will be shared at the showcase on 15th October, where people can add stitchwork to mark their own places of significance in Bedminster, followed by a display of the work at Windmill City Farm for visitors to enjoy.
