Local artist Zakia Chowdhury was the recipient of our 2025 International Artist Bursary. She travelled to Marrakech, documenting her journey through a journal and video diary. An exhibition of her new work inspired by the trip will be on view at our Westway Artists Forum Exhibition on Friday 6 March (2-6pm).
We will also be launching the 2026 edition of our International Artist Bursary, so if you are locally based artist, come along and learn how you could be our next recipient.
Zakia is a member of our North Kensington community and has led numerous workshops across the area, using art and mosaic-making to bring people together, share skills, and celebrate cultural expression. Reflecting on her time in Morocco, she said:
“I explored the rich art and culture of Marrakech, focusing on the handmade ceramics, mosaic works, fabrics and traditional art pieces. I was inspired by the old mosaic works found in palaces, mosques and historic buildings. Alongside the ceramics and textiles that highlight each their own style which deeply resonates with their deep cultural heritage of their work. This project helped me to understand how traditional craftsmanship has been preserved and how it has been preserved through architecture and everyday art and culture.”
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.