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A leading local charity has been forced to make urgent changes to a new Seymour Park sculpture celebrating the abolition of slavery following complaints that the work was offensive. |
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Residents said the piece – which depicts a large black clenched fist – was too aggressive to represent such a sensitive isue, and inappropriate in an area blighted by gun and gang crime. |
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The clenched fist salute is historically associated with the Black Power movement in the USA of the 1960s. Black Power politics have often been associated with racial separatism, black nationalism and violent revolution. |
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Tommy Gallagher, Vice Chair of the Friends of Old Trafford, said: “All the older people are not happy about it. They didn’t like it at all, and a lot of people have said the same.
“A clenched fist is really racist to a lot of people around here. I think people want to see it removed now. They are not happy about it at all.”
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Groundwork, who unveiled the sculpture on June 6, have now pledged to “clarify its significance” by adding shackles, chains and an explanatory plaque.
Tina Blake, Community Programme Manager with Groundwork in Manchester, Salford, Tameside and Trafford, said: “Groundwork recognise that some members of the community have not reacted to the sculpture as originally intended and the intention was never to offend anyone of any age, race or background in Old Trafford.
“We will include the addition of chains and a shackle on the fist, and signage which identifies the purpose of the sculpture and partners involved.”
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The artwork is part of a £15,000 project paid for by the Safer Stronger Communities Fund and European Regional Development Fund to improve the front area of Seymour Park youth centre.
But the scheme has suffered several setbacks since it began in June 2006.
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A graffiti project on the wall of the youth centre was removed in September 2007 after young people complained it was “poor quality”.
Groundwork then ditched the original artist, commissioning Wigan-based Ornamental Genius to create the sculpture in October 2007.
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A group of ten local teenagers aged between 13 and 18 were asked to come up with ideas for the sculpture after taking part in a four-month series of workshops, which included a visit to the Black History museum, as well as sessions around the meaning of freedom. |
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According to Paulajaine Goodwin, one half of Ornamental Genius, several ideas were mooted, one of which did include chains and shackles. But this design was rejected.
She added: “They wanted a six-foot fist crashing up through a boat. We made it much more subtle. We have just done our jobs, and we are sorry that we were asked to do something that may have been offensive to some people.”
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On June 13, a week after the statue was unveiled, Groundwork met with two young people and Youth Centre manager Sue Wandrum to address the complaints. They then decided to make the additions.
The changes will hopefully be made over the next two weeks, and an unveiling ceremony will take place later in the summer.
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Funding for the project was channelled through Old Trafford Neighbourhood Management, who commissioned Groundwork’s programme in Old Trafford. Jo Birch, Neighbourhood Manager said she “deeply regretted” any concern caused to residents.
She added: “We are confident that the final appearance of the piece will truly reflect the excellent relations between all sections of the Old Trafford Community, and pay suitable tribute to the historical contribution made to the abolition of slavery by people of all races and cultures, in this area and across the world.”
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Prominent members of Old Trafford’s black community have also welcomed the change of heart. Dave Esdaile, Youth Engagement Worker with Trafford Housing Trust, supported Groundwork’s decision.
He said: “They didn’t mean to offend anybody. The kids designed it, which is a good thing.
“It is a mis-understanding. I think it was a work in progress that hadn’t been completed. There is nothing controversial. I think it is just unfortunate. I understand both points of view.”
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Joe Malaika, spokesperson for the GMP Independent Advisory Group and a member of the Old Trafford Neighbourhood Management board, said it was “really positive” that the area finally had a monument to black history.
She continued: “I think a plaque needs to be put on it for the people who are unhappy with it to understand what it is about. Then there are no misconceived ideas.”
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Story |
Helen Clifton |
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Photos |
OTN Team |
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Making a fist of it.
