The Hometown Birds project in Bedford is transforming personal migration stories into public art through the symbol of a pigeon—a bird known for its uncanny ability to find its way home.
Organized by the community interest company Permission 2, the initiative invites locals to share their journeys to Bedford by decorating pigeon-themed artworks displayed in the town’s iconic “Pigeon Square,” also known as Church Square.
Artist and co-organizer Anne-Marie Abbate explained the significance of choosing pigeons: “They’re the first thing you see when you enter Pigeon Square. Pigeons may have a bad reputation, but we must remember they saved lives during the war by carrying messages.”
Workshops have encouraged participants, regardless of artistic skill, to express themselves through colors, flags, and meaningful designs.
The project has also engaged homeless individuals, working alongside the Bedford Langar Project, which provides free meals.
Funded by the University of Bedfordshire’s Heritage Horizons and the National Lottery, the project will culminate in a public art trail of 100 decorated pigeons leading from Bedford bus station to Pigeon Square in January.
Each bird will feature a QR code linking to stories of migration, love, and new beginnings, reflecting the diverse reasons people have made Bedford their home.
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