Osborne Clarke partners with trailblazing UK art education project The World Reimagined
International legal practice Osborne Clarke has announced a partnership with the ground-breaking UK-wide art education project, The World Reimagined, which will see the firm sponsor two globe sculptures, one in Bristol and the other in London.
The World Reimagined aims to promote a better understanding of the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its ongoing impact on society in order to make racial justice a reality. The public sculpture trails, each consisting of ten large globe sculptures, will be open across seven UK cities from tomorrow (Saturday, 13th August) and 31st October.
Osborne Clarke is sponsoring the fourth globe of Bristol’s trail, created by Oshii Rowan and located in Castle Park. This globe shares the story of the Campaign for Abolition, its key events, heroes and allies. The firm is also sponsoring the eighth globe of London's trail, designed by Sarah Owusu and located in Fenchurch Street Station. The globe celebrates the spirit and culture that has endured in the face of incredible suffering and found expression across the world in music art, food and more.
The art installations will present an opportunity to bring to life the reality and impact of the trade in enslaved Africans and explore the ways in which our past, present and future can be reimagined through a Journey of Discovery. The project invites people across the UK to come together and engage in complex conversations around who we are as a society; stimulate dialogue, raise consciousness, and create social change.
Lara Burch, head of Osborne Clarke's Bristol Office, commented: "The World Reimagined is a trailblazing project that encourages us to confront some challenging parts of our shared history. The art trails will provide a platform to open conversations, with our colleagues, our clients and our communities, around racial injustice and the role we all have in fighting discrimination."
Bola Gibson, head of inclusion and corporate responsibility at Osborne Clarke, said: "There is so much history wrapped up in the struggle for racial justice – there is no quick fix. We're on a journey and supporting the World Reimagined is another small step we've taken towards educating and challenging ourselves to tackle racial inequality."
Osborne Clarke recognises the need for racial equality in the workplace. The firm's race and ethnicity employee network (OC REACH) provides challenge and support to the firm, giving actionable insight, and encouraging education and understanding around the challenges affecting minority communities. The firm continues to invest in programmes that support the progression of racial and ethnic minorities including being early supporters of the Stepping Up programme and working with the 10,000 Black Interns initiative.
As part of its commitment to racial equality, the firm became signatories of both the Race Fairness Commitment and the Race at Work Charter; published anti-racism and racial equality resources for colleagues; launched a reverse mentoring programme and conducted an independent review of its recruitment practices. The firm plans to publish its full Race Action Plan in the autumn.
