Key Points
- A novel public art trail known as “Southall Stories” has been started in Southall consisting of 8 artworks at 7 different sites.
- The project has been initiated by Ealing Council and has been facilitated by UK Shared Prosperity Fund and includes consultations from residents and local schools from the beginning of the year.
- The artists involved in the project include Dish Kunst, Pablo Thomas, Raj Dhunna, Haffendi Anuar, and Shirin Naveed. Other artists include those who have yet to finish their installations such as Matt Small, Monika Forsberg, TK Hay, and Prem Sahib.
- This art reflects the multiculturality, personalities, landmarks, and the spirit of the community of Southall through murals, installations, and interactive exhibits.
- Politicians from the local council, such as Councillor Lauren Wall and Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, commended the program for instilling pride in the community and regenerating through culture.
uk/local/ealing/southall/">Southall (West London Times) September 17, 2026 – Southall’s streets and bridges are showcasing a vibrant transformation through the launch of “Southall Stories,” a public art trail designed to celebrate the town’s history, multicultural identity, and community spirit. As detailed by the digital news platform Around Ealing, the initiative comprises a collection of 8 pieces of art spread across 7 locations, created by artists collaborating closely with local residents, schools, and community groups since the start of the year. The project has been led by Ealing Council and financed through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aiming to improve both the visual appeal and the cultural resonance of local public spaces.
What is the Southall Stories Public Art Trail and Where Can Visitors Find the Artworks?
The public art trail incorporates a variety of murals and installations located on key bridges, streets, and community hubs like the Dominion Centre. Among the completed works, local artist Dish Kunst returned to Blair Peach Primary School—where she was formerly a pupil—to collaborate with children on a design for the Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge.
As reported by Around Ealing, Dish Kunst, whose family continues to reside in Southall, described her selection for the 140-metre-long piece titled Stronger Together as a “great honour.” According to the artist, the mural represents figures “who have impacted Southall’s history musically, culturally or within activism.” Among those depicted are anti-racism campaigner Blair Peach, Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha, world-famous jazz singer Cleo Laine, and the Southall Black Sisters.
Dish Kunst stated: “I hope that when people come over the bridge that it gives them a sense of hope, a sense of curiosity of what Southall is.”
Pupils at Blair Peach Primary School actively participated in the creation process and have shared the result with family and friends. Year 5 pupil Iwan remarked: “I hope that when other children see the artwork it makes them think that their ideas can become something big too.” Another pupil, Neha, added: “My favourite part was seeing our drawings and ideas become part of the bridge. It feels special because it will be there for lots of residents to enjoy.”
Teacher Josephine Menezes noted the educational and emotional value of the project, stating, as reported by Around Ealing: “It was a wonderful opportunity for them to use their creativity and contribute to something that has a lasting presence in their local community. Seeing their ideas brought to life and displayed on the bridge has given the children a real sense of pride and achievement. They are thrilled to know that their creativity is helping to brighten up Southall for everyone.”
What Else Can Visitors See Across the Trail?
The trail extends to several other landmarks, each highlighting unique facets of Southall’s past and present. At Norwood Road Bridge, artist Pablo Thomas worked in conjunction with community groups, local schools, and local historians to craft 12 paintings illustrating the town’s history, including cricket, Martin Brothers’ pottery, the arrival of the railways, and international migration.
At the base of the Merrick Road footbridge, artist Raj Dhunna invited community members to nominate portraits for his Faces of Southall display, engaging with residents on Southall Broadway and at the Dominion Centre. Meanwhile, at the Dominion Centre itself, artist Haffendi Anaur developed an interactive installation inspired by traditional shadow puppet theatre and the building’s legacy as an Art Deco cinema, incorporating designs by Southall children.
On Southall Broadway, artist Shirin Naveed collaborated with residents to produce The Broadway Manja. Inspired by the traditional Punjabi woven bed used for community gatherings, the artwork integrates song lyrics, music, and migration stories reflecting generations of local families.
Additionally, Ealing Council highlighted via social media channels that further installations are nearing completion. Artists Matt Small and Monika Forsberg have collaborated with participants at a Dominion Centre sewing and art workshop to design a quilt-like makeover for the South Road bridge outside Southall Station, featuring patterns from sari borders, bandanas, and hand-stitched quilts. Theatre designer TK Hay has produced miniature 3-dimensional representations of heritage buildings like Southall Manor House for Hayes Gate Bridge, while Southall-born Prem Sahib has designed cinema-style seats titled Drift for King Street Square as a tribute to the former Himalaya Palace and Dominion Theatre, examining local migrant histories.
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How Do Local Authorities View the Impact of the Project?
Local political leadership has emphasised the cooperative nature of the regeneration effort. Councillor Lauren Wall, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, stated, as documented by Around Ealing:
“The best cultural projects are created with communities, not just for them. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone in Southall who’s been part of this. By working with local people, schools and community groups, this artwork celebrates what makes our borough special and creates something that residents can feel connected to and proud of for years to come.”
Similarly, Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the cabinet member for decent living incomes, who participated in a tour of the installations, noted: “Regeneration is about more than improving buildings and streets. It’s about creating places people feel proud of. Public art can transform everyday spaces, celebrate the stories of our communities and help bring new energy to our high streets, benefiting residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”
Background of the Particular Development
The “Southall Stories” public art trail stems from ongoing local authority strategies to utilise culture and community-led regeneration as tools for urban renewal in West London. Funded primarily by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund—a central government initiative designed to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK—the project addresses historical gaps in public representation and cultural investment in diverse suburban areas. Ealing Council has increasingly leaned into participatory art initiatives, collaborating with institutions like the Southall Community Alliance and Southall Black Sisters to ensure local heritage is authentically preserved and visually integrated into everyday municipal infrastructure.
This public art development is expected to foster long-term civic engagement and boost local footfall for businesses along Southall’s main commercial corridors, including Southall Broadway and surrounding retail areas. For the local audience—comprising residents, school children, and business owners—the visible integration of multicultural history into public spaces is likely to strengthen community cohesion, elevate local pride among younger generations, and position Southall as a vibrant cultural destination within the London Borough of Ealing, potentially driving further regional tourism and urban investment.
