Bristol’s Community Championing LGBTQIA+ and Young People of Colour

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Bristol’s Community Championing LGBTQIA+ and Young People of Colour

Off the Record (OTR) is a mental health social movement dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people. Through initiatives like Freedom (advocates for LGBTQIA+ youth), Art Works (OTR’s creative programme), and Project ZAZI (supporting mental health and wellbeing for young people of Colour), OTR empowers young people to express themselves, find community, and access vital support.

In a powerful, community-led collaboration between Project ZAZI, OTR, and JACK ARTS, young people were given the opportunity to showcase their artwork on billboards across Bristol. Recognising the systemic barriers faced by young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community, the project remained firmly rooted in OTR’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices and create platforms for empowerment and visibility. The collaboration stood as a bold public celebration of identity, creativity, and vision.

To mark the launch, a celebratory event was held at Old Market Lawn – bringing together contributors, supporters, and the local community. The event honoured the young artists behind the work and highlighted the power of creative expression when young people are given the space, support, and recognition they deserve.

03.09.25

Words by BUILDHOLLYWOOD

Shirley O – Mind the Soul

This piece means to me the struggle of being a black British teenager in British Society. The shock wave trauma of having your identity be mixed up in politics as well as the oppression we face, all leads to an endless hurt. Where black Youth feel pressurised to turn to substance abuse. We turn to drugs and weed to fill the hole after our spark was taken from us to aid in the progress of others. This piece signifies that the soul still lives. Despite heartache and betrayal, we still are here and our voices are still heard. Your spark lives within you every day you breathe out the pain. From one Black youth to another. This is a reminder.

Shans Creatives – Straight and Narrow

This painting explores what I feel it means to walk by faith, keeping your eyes on Jesus as a young person today, while reimagining different areas and aspects of my beautiful city, Bristol!

Treasure B – Through Our Experiences, We Become

What is ‘identity’? Culture, Ethnicity or Ability? Nurture or Nature? Whilst all of these individual factors make up one’s identity, I felt there was a way to encompass all of those factors and make them one. Through Our Experiences, We Become. How we experience life shapes who we are today. Depending on our experience following whether it is joyous or sorrowful, it may turn us into a different person tomorrow. My piece, depicts some experiences from my life that I feel have been particularly instrumental in shaping my identity today.

Instagram: @Cocoa.bayona_artz

Charlene – Flight

This piece explores the tapestry of my identities and what I hold dear to my heart. I question the extent to which my family and I’s immigration has brought us freedom, and explore the nuance of such a journey.

Alisha T– Stolen Style

For centuries, Black people have been the blueprint for global culture. From hair, clothing, and language to music, art, and dance, Black creativity has birthed styles that have shaped the world. Yet time and time again, these innovations are taken, repackaged, and celebrated — without giving credit to the originators. “Stolen Stlye” is a statement about this erasure. It’s about how Black identity and expression are consumed as trends, while Black people themselves are often excluded, dismissed, or even punished for embodying the very same styles. Cornrows, durags, oversized gold hoops, streetwear — what was once labeled “ghetto” or “unprofessional” becomes high fashion when adopted by others. This billboard exists to confront that hypocrisy. To hold up a mirror to society and ask: Why is Blackness loved when it’s separated from Black people? Why are the originators erased while the imitators are celebrated? “Stolen Style” is both a critique and a call to action: credit the culture. Recognise the roots. Respect the creators.

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