A participatory public artwork celebrating memory, heritage and community voices in Wandsworth.
A Flight of Voices is a public art installation I conceived and delivered for the Lavender Hill Festival 2025. Commissioned through an open tender by The Junction BID as part of Black History Month celebrations, the work took inspiration from the Sankofa bird from Akan culture — a symbol of learning from the past to guide the future.
At the centre of the installation stood a hand-built Sankofa form, surrounded by hundreds of lightweight paper birds created through community workshops and on-the-day participation. Visitors responded to a simple prompt: “If you could fly back in time and bring back one thing, what would it be?” Their handwritten messages were made part of the installation, allowing it to grow and shift throughout the festival.
The installation brought colour, conversation and reflection to the high street. Families, long-time residents, school groups and even the Mayor of Wandsworth contributed, turning the piece into a living canopy of community hopes and memories.
The Story
The Junction BID sought a headline artwork that felt joyful, participatory and rooted in the neighbourhood. Sankofa offered a powerful anchor — an idea that speaks to heritage, learning and continuity. The artwork invited people to pause within the bustle of the festival and reflect on what they carry from their past, what they cherish and what they would return to the present.
Although set within a lively event, the installation formed a quiet, poetic space. Participants approached the table with curiosity, wrote their messages slowly, and often stayed to read others. In this way, the work became a moment of shared reflection in the middle of a busy street.
Creative Process
I hand-built the large Sankofa form in my studio, using lightweight materials suitable for the venue. Alongside this, I worked with fellow artists and interns to deliver accessible workshops, where residents created small kite-like birds that would surround the central piece.
On the festival day, a simple message table invited passers-by to join in. As notes were added, the artwork shifted in real time — a growing “flight” shaped by the people who stopped, talked and contributed. The rigging and installation were delivered in collaboration with BAC technical staff and ThinkEvents, who supported a tight two-hour build window on site.
Installation & Festival Day
The installation was assembled directly on Lavender Hill during a short morning window — a logistical challenge that required close planning and coordination. As the birds were clipped into place, the piece transformed into a colourful overhead formation that drew people in throughout the day.
Messages continued to gather as the festival unfolded. Children added drawings, elders wrote memories, and groups discussed what they wished they could bring back. The artwork became a centrepiece for conversation, celebration and shared imagination.
My Role
I led the artistic vision and delivery of the project from concept to installation. I wrote the tender proposal, secured the commission, and managed the full programme. This included procuring materials, coordinating venues, collaborating with partner organisations, appointing and supporting the artists and interns delivering the workshops.
I liaised closely with BAC’s technical team and ThinkEvents to plan the on-site build and ensure the two-hour installation window ran smoothly. I also guided the creative process — designing the Sankofa form, shaping the workshops and overseeing the evolving artwork on the festival day.
Community Impact
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Hundreds of handwritten messages gathered across the day, reflecting local memories and hopes
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Intergenerational conversations emerged naturally around themes of heritage and belonging.
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There was a strong buzz and conversation around the installation — many visitors returned to add second or third messages.
“
Bring back 20p Freddoes!
”
~ Message by festival participant
Partners & Credits
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Project Origin & Vision: Conceived and developed by Roopa Basu
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Artistic Direction & Lead Facilitation: Roopa Basu
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Commissioned & Funded By: The Junction BID (Lavender Hill Festival 2025)
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Delivery Partners: Battersea Arts Centre Technical Team; ThinkEvents (event logistics and rigging)
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Design Team
Taiwo Durodola. Art and design student at South Thames College (Level 3, year 2)
Ebrahim Piperdi. Producer, artist, curator @piperdiphotography
Serena Orano. Documentary photographer and filmmaker @serenaorano -
Community Contributors: Residents, families, and festival visitors — including the Mayor of Wandsworth