Grid38: Tracing Bristol’s Cultural Revolution

Curator: Gary Thompson

‘Grid38: Tracing Bristol’s Cultural Revolution’ will be a digital portfolio exploring the significant cultural impact of Bristol’s St. Paul’s area, particularly during the 1980s. The project will focus on how the Windrush community (first and second generations) and other immigrant groups shaped a distinct Bristol sound and identity that gained global recognition. ‘Grid38’ aims to document this era through oral histories, archival media (photos, videos, graphic design), and community-generated content. It will highlight the rise of reggae and hip-hop, the emergence of groups like Massive Attack AKA The Wild Bunch, and the entrepreneurial spirit behind independent cultural hubs. The project will also confront challenges of the era, including social unrest, racial tensions, and economic hardship, while celebrating the Black community’s pivotal role in shaping Bristol, from the election of its first Black Lord Mayor, Jim Williams, to the establishment of institutions like the Malcolm X Centre and Inkworks. Ultimately, ‘Grid38’ seeks to digitally interpret and preserve the intangible heritage of St. Paul’s, showcasing its enduring legacy as a cultural hub.

The methodology will involve archival research (including focusing on ‘page 38’ of an old A-to-Z map of Bristol), digitising personal and community archives, collecting oral histories from key figures, and developing a digital curation and platform to present the findings.The inspiration for ‘Grid38’ comes from a personal connection to Bristol’s cultural landscape and a desire to understand St. Paul’s vibrancy, especially in the face of gentrification. The project is significant for elevating underrepresented narratives within Bristol’s history.