Community arts has played a massive role in the regeneration of Knowle West and Filwood, South Bristol. We were asked to help tell a story that encompasses decades of passion and creativity, culminating in the transformation of Filwood Broadway high street and the surrounding area.
“It’s been years
in the making…
And to be fair,
we’re well proud
to get to this moment.”
Building on the incredible archives of Knowle West Media Centre, we were able to work with fantastic assets. From photography to illustration, textiles to sculptures, we had a wealth of creative heritage to celebrate. Community is built together — so we mapped and pasted a patchwork collage of stories through time.
From the 1920s roots when Knowle West was first developed, through to the recent decades of creative arts projects, we wanted to capture a vibrant sense of eclectic energy and enthusiasm. We worked with local resident Frankie Rogers, who gave her voice to the film, providing authenticity and a youthful positivity.
Knowle West is an area that has been stereotyped and undervalued in the past, which has led to a defiant sense of identity. But this recent regeneration work was shaped by local contributions and is a moment to celebrate after years of passionate residents campaigns.
Built around the idea of '‘Tips for Transformation”, the script highlights how the community has used community art to spark conversations around identity and make the future real. Whilst the animation contains 5 top tips, it also points viewers to a fold-out leafet that includes the full 10 tips.
“This story is still
being written.
Together,
let’s get our streets
buzzing again!”
Clients: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Knowle West Media Centre & Filwood Community Centre
Project team: Martha King, Jess Linington, Dotty Baker-Hassan, Jazz Loveys, Ella Chedburn, Clara Collett, Makala Cheung, Seth Richardson, Kate Bedney & Joanna Plimmer
Director: Reuben Armstrong
Narrator: Frankie Rogers
Animation: Reuben Armstrong & Sian Roper
Sound Engineer: George Colwey
Recording Studio: Knowle West Media Centre
Music: Captain Qubz, Lambert Williamson, Knowle West TV, Omri Dehan, The Originals, Jimit, Rex Banner, DJ Bunjy & KALA CHNG, Captain Joz & Jarin Primak
This project has lovingly sampled, remixed and recycled many previous worksfrom other artists and organisations. We say a massive thank you to all the wonderful contributions to this ongoing story.
Crafted with care by humans. No generative AI was used in this sequence.
Supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
Thanks to:
Alastair Campbell Photography • Amber Hennessey • Architecture 00 • Beth Hinton Lever • Black Bark Films • Bray & Slaughter • Bristol Beacon • British Pathé • Bobby Fisher • Brave Bold Drama • Carolyn Hassan • Charlie Watts • Chavez Moulton • Cheryl Martin • Circomedia • City Design Group • Claudia Collins • Create Streets Foundation • Diego Maeso • Dom Thornley • Don Jones • Filwood Broadway Action Team • Filwood Chase History Group • Fiona Dowling • Gail Bevan • Gemma Mathieson • George Gallop • George Lovesmith • Great Oak Tree • Hannah Llewellin • Hayhurst & Co Architects • Ian Bell • Ibolya Feher • Jakub Vronsky • Jazz Thompson • Jemimah Sutton • Jim Smith • Joe Elise • Joe Magee • Jo Southard • June McNeill • Knowle West Alliance • Knowle West Media Centre archive • Knowle West Planning Group • Knowle West Regeneration Residents Planning Group • Knowle West TV • Linzy Na Nakorn • Makala Cheung • Marcus Way • Martha King • Matt Brown • Matthew Condon • Melissa Mean • Mikey Weinkove • Movema Dance • Myah Asha Jeffers • Paraorchestra • Paul Blakemore • Place Champions • Rachael Clerke • Re:work • Samantha Owen • Sophie Kilgour • Studio Mothership • Sue Mackinnon • Tanya Hazell • The Knowledge • The People Speak • Tim Jones • Tim Midwood • Tobacco Factory Theatres • Tom Jackson Greaves • We Can Make • You & Me Architecture
…and everyone else who is part of the Knowle West and Filwood story!