Finding Your Roots

Discover Your Heritage. Connect with Your Past.

#FindingYourRootsBristol

Bristol Artist Abbi Bayliss Explores Her Dominican Roots Through Transformative Heritage Journey

Finding Your Roots Bristol was an open call offering one Bristol family the opportunity to explore their ancestral roots through a fully supported heritage journey. The initiative, a core part of our larger First Born Second programme, invited applications from individuals seeking to uncover and celebrate their unique cultural heritage and identity.

Abbi Bayliss, a Bristol-based digital illustrator and visual artist, was selected as the winner of this transformative opportunity and traveled to Dominica in the Caribbean to connect with her ancestry.

A UWE Bristol Illustration graduate, Abbi has made significant waves with her vibrant art, which powerfully centers on themes of cultural heritage, joy, and storytelling. Her work has been showcased on the Black Portraits Project, which toured nationally, and at prestigious venues including Tate Britain, the Bristol Light Festival, and The World Reimagined project at Trafalgar Square. Her diverse experience within Bristol’s arts sector, coupled with her passion for sharing narratives through arts education, made her the ideal candidate to undertake this significant journey of discovery.

At Creative Connex CIC, we believe deeply in the power of celebrating heritage. Our Finding Your Roots project, which Dana Saxton of Ancestry Unknown supported as genealogy mentor, is documenting and celebrating Abbi’s family heritage. This initiative was made possible through the generous support of a private donor—we remain deeply grateful for their vision in enabling this incredible opportunity.

The project stands as an inspiring example of how reconnecting with ancestral roots can deepen our understanding of identity, heritage, and belonging.

#FindingYourRootsBristol