Finding Your Roots – Bristol

Discover Your Heritage. Connect with Your Past.
#FindingYourRootsBristol

Finding Your Roots Bristol Winner Abbi Bayliss Embarks on a Transformative Heritage Journey to Dominica!

We are thrilled to announce that Abbi Bayliss, a fantastic Bristol-based digital illustrator and visual artist, is about to embark on a transformative journey to Dominica in the Caribbean.

Abbi is the winner of our “Finding Your Roots” initiative, a core part of our larger First Born Second programme. Her trip will be a deep dive into her ancestry, a personal quest to uncover and celebrate her unique cultural heritage and identity.

A recent UWE Bristol Illustration graduate, Abbi is already making waves with her vibrant art, which powerfully centres on themes of cultural heritage, joy, and storytelling. She has been successfully showcased on the Black Portraits Project, which toured nationally, and at prestigious venues such as 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, makes her the perfect person to lead 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 proudly supports as a genealogy mentor, aims to document and celebrate Abbi’s family heritage. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of a private donor – a huge thank you to them for enabling this incredible opportunity!

Abbi will be actively sharing her experiences, embracing both the joys and challenges of this discovery, with us all in the autumn. Her journey promises to add a compelling new layer to Britain’s evolving understanding of its rich and diverse cultural tapestry. It’s a living testament to the enduring legacies we explore through First Born Second: Children of the Windrush Era, our Arts Council England-supported programme dedicated to celebrating and commemorating Black British individuals who helped shape contemporary Britain.

Stay tuned for updates from Abbi’s adventure! We can’t wait to share her discoveries with our loyal Creative Connex community.

#FindingYourRootsBristol