Public art globe created by former UWE Bristol student installed at Bower Ashton campus

A piece of public art created by former UWE Bristol illustration student Jazz Thompson has been installed at City Campus Bower Ashton.
The globe, entitled 'Foundations', was originally designed as part of The World Reimagined sculpture trail that was visible across Bristol last summer.
Jazz’s design brief was to explore the theme of ‘Expanding Soul’ which celebrates the spirit and culture of the African diaspora that, even in the face of incredible suffering, has endured and found vibrant expression across the world in music, art, food and more.
Jazz said: “I used the opportunity to pull out carnival, celebration, food and music to convey energy and life. Music is a huge part of black and Caribbean culture, and it’s also hugely rooted in the city. I approached the project with quite a positive lens.”
The illustrations on the globe include people, cityscapes, sound systems and hairdressing.
“I’ve put in a lot to do with hairdressing as I love how it brings people together,” Jazz said. One of the illustrations was inspired by a photograph of Jazz’s grandfather doing her cousin’s hair many years ago.
The piece, which is situated at one of the main entrances to Bower Ashton Campus, will be seen by students and staff every day.
Jazz said: “I hope the globe being here shows students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds and students of colour, that you can pursue a career in illustration and the arts; that you can freelance, and do fun, vibrant, creative projects with your talents. There’s definitely imbalances in representation in the arts, so for me this starts to show that it can be shifted.”
Related news

27 May 2025
BAFTA TV Award for UWE Bristol graduate
UWE Bristol is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its filmmaking alum Hugo Pettitt, who has won a 2025 BAFTA TV Award.

23 May 2025
Academics feature in documentary exploring the rebirth of Bristol's iconic Megascreen
Professor Mark Bould and Professor Charlotte Crofts are featured in a new documentary about the fascinating journey of the former Bristol IMAX cinema.

21 May 2025
Students reveal creative responses to real-world experiences at UWE Bristol Showcase
UWE Bristol’s Showcase, celebrating student creativity and innovation across the College of Arts, Technology and Environment, returns this June.

19 May 2025
The Big Thing, a landmark event for immersive artists in the UK, comes to Bradford
Immersive Arts will launch its first major event this June in Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture, to bring together the country’s immersive arts community.

17 April 2025
UWE Bristol art students showcase work at Spike Island Open Studios
Spike Island – the home to UWE Bristol’s BA and MA Fine Art courses - opens its doors for the annual Open Studios on 2 May.

16 April 2025
More than 80 UK projects receive nearly £1.2 million in first Immersive Arts funding round
Almost £1.2 million has been allocated to 83 artist-led projects across the UK.

09 April 2025
UWE Bristol academics shaping the future of design across disciplines
Three senior leaders from the College of Arts, Technology and Environment have been appointed to prominent national roles in architecture, art and design.

04 April 2025
New partnership between UWE Bristol and Bristol Creative Industries will develop student talent network
UWE Bristol and Bristol Creative Industries (BCI) have formed a new partnership to support Bristol’s thriving creative businesses and provide enhanced careers opportunities to students entering the industry.

03 April 2025
Interdisciplinary studio bridging the gap between creative industries and technology opens at UWE Bristol
A new £3.6m laboratory has opened at UWE Bristol which will provide a unique arts, humanities and technologies multi-disciplinary space for researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses across the West of England.

07 March 2025
UWE Bristol and Ashton Park School transform urban landscape near university campus
Students bring creativity and a splash of colour to a well-used city underpass by painting a new mural celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

07 March 2025
UWE Bristol students triumph at regional RTS Awards
UWE Bristol filmmaking and animation students won three categories of the RTS West of England Student Awards, held at Watershed in Bristol on 3 March 2025.

03 February 2025
Exhibition celebrates inaugural year of students’ creative agency
Students from UWE Bristol’s New Wave Creative Agency will showcase their work at an exhibition at Arnolfini from 8 February.
You may also be interested in

Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.

Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.

City Campus
City Campus is UWE Bristol's creative and cultural industries campus made up of city centre sites at Bower Ashton, Spike Island, Arnolfini and Watershed.

Art
Our Art courses include: Illustration, Fine Art and more. Find out why you should study an Art degree at UWE Bristol.