Bedford Art Project Explores Residents’ Reasons for Relocating

The “Hometown Birds” project, which uses the pigeon as its symbol, has highlighted the journeys of individuals who have settled in Bedford. Residents were encouraged to share their personal stories about how they came to live in the town. Participants were invited to decorate images of the bird and add messages, paying homage to “Pigeon Square,” a notable town landmark. According to co-organiser and artist Anne-Marie Abbate, pigeons were chosen for the project because it focuses on “people arriving in Bedford and what’s the first thing you see – you enter Pigeon Square.” The initiative was established by Permission 2, a community interest company that has conducted numerous workshops in various locations, including “Pigeon Square” (also known as Church Square) and local cafes. Ms Abbate explained the choice of the pigeon symbol, stating, “Story-telling is getting lost through the generations, and with the fascinating way that pigeons can be let off in another town and find their way back to their home, we thought we’d use them as a symbol.” She also acknowledged the bird’s often negative perception, adding, “Pigeons do get a bad rap, but we have to remember they saved our lives in the war by carrying messages.” Ms Abbate clarified that participants were not required to possess specific artistic skills and were encouraged to express themselves using colors from their native flags or designs that held personal significance. Permission 2 has also collaborated with the Bedford Langar Project, which provides free curries, to engage with homeless individuals, a partnership Ms Abbate described as receiving an “amazing” response. Funded by the University of Bedfordshire’s Heritage Horizons and the National Lottery, the project is scheduled to conclude in January with a public art trail. This trail will consist of 100 pigeon designs, extending from Bedford bus station to Pigeon Square. Each bird design will incorporate a QR code that directs users to Permission 2’s website. Ms Abbate stated that the trail “will tell you about the journeys that all these people have had and why they’re in Bedford – whether they came for work, love or just flew in on the street!”