We're delighted to announce that Zakia Chowdhury has been selected as the recipient of our International Artist Bursary 2025. The artist was chosen through a random draw from a shortlist of eligible applicants during an event as part of the Bay 57 Showcase.
Zakia Chowdhury has lived in North Kensington for 35 years and is a deeply rooted member of the local community. A practising artist and committed community facilitator, she has led numerous workshops across the area, using art and mosaic-making to bring people together, share skills, and celebrate cultural expression. Her strong connection to the place she calls home continues to inspire her work.
Our International Artist Bursary supports North Kensington-based artists in broadening their horizons through international travel and creative exchange. This year’s Bursary funds a trip to Morocco, covering travel, accommodation and other expenses. The itinerary for the trip will be co-produced with the artist, allowing Chowdhury to shape the experience in line with her creative vision. She will document the journey through a journal and video diary, reflecting on how the residency informs her artistic practice and community work upon her return.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Chowdhury said “I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by the Westway Trust. I truly appreciate being given this chance and am excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to taking what I learn during my travels and sharing it with the community upon my return. Thank you once again.”
“We are incredibly proud to support Zakia on this journey,” says Chahrazad El Amiri, Community Projects Coordinator at Westway Trust. “Her commitment to using art as a means of connection and empowerment perfectly embodies the values of the Bursary. We’re excited to see how the experience of travelling to Morocco inspires her work.”
The International Artist Bursary is part of Westway Trust’s broader mission to foster positive change in the social, economic, personal, and environmental well-being of the North Kensington community. Art and culture are central to this vision, offering opportunities for both individual growth and collective expression.
For more information about the Bursary, our Artists’ Forum or future opportunities, sign up to our newsletter.