Grace Springer
Pobl Lleol / Local People (2024)
About the people in the photographs
Tia-zakura Camilleri is a passionate poet, theatre artist, and advocate for diversity and inclusion, living in the vibrant Riverside area of Cardiff. Having always lived in Cardiff, Tia-zakura moved to Riverside just before lockdown and quickly developed a deep connection to the multicultural community there. “Riverside, Butetown, and Grangetown are the most multicultural areas in Wales,” she says, “and I feel very proud to be part of this area.” Her relationship with Cardiff is rooted in a sense of obligation to elevate and amplify the voices of her community.
To Tia-zakura, community means a place where everyone contributes in their own way, whether through food, music, or simply by showing up. She believes that strong communities are built on mutual care and a sense of shared responsibility. “It’s wanting better for not just yourself, but for everyone around you,” she explains.
As an artist, she is inspired by the “firsts”—those who take risks to pave the way for others. “They’re not concerned with credit but with making a real difference,” she says. Tia-zakura is committed to using her craft to educate, challenge perceptions, and give voice to those who are often unheard. She aims to contribute to the poetic scene in Wales, mentor young poets, and develop a platform for Black people in Wales, while also seeking to bring her experiences back to Wales after traveling abroad.
Tia-zakura envisions a future where Wales embraces its rich diversity and cultures, and where marginalised groups feel a stronger sense of belonging. Her hope is for a Wales where people are proud of their varied identities and feel empowered to shape the nation’s future.
Albert
Albert, an authentic Jamaican chef, transformed his passion into a thriving business during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering takeaways from home to his local community. What began as a hobby quickly grew, leading Albert to pop-up stalls at markets, festivals, and events across South Wales. He even hosted cultural celebrations like the Windrush event at Chapter Arts.
As his presence grew, Albert became the first-ever Jamaican food stall at Cardiff Market, firmly establishing himself as a key figure in the local community. Through his journey, he has inspired others to pursue their passions, sharing a simple yet powerful message: “Believe in yourself, work hard, and your dreams will manifest.”
Albert has built a platform that not only celebrates Caribbean culture but also brings people together, creating a strong sense of community in South Wales. For him, community is everything. He believes in the power of sharing inspiration, motivating others, and making the world a better place.
“Facing challenges is part of life,” Albert says. “But it’s about doing what’s best for you and showing others there’s always a better way to handle things.” His passion for bringing joy to others and encouraging people to be true to themselves drives everything he does.
Albert’s work is a testament to the strength of community, the importance of cultural exchange, and the belief that we all have the power to create change.
Levi
Levi was introduced at a deaf community event, where her story immediately left a lasting impression. As a deaf person of colour who grew up in a mainstream environment, she shared her experiences of lip-reading and navigating a world that often overlooked her. What was truly inspiring, however, was Levi’s commitment to creating inclusive community spaces for the deaf community and providing sporting opportunities, all while overcoming personal challenges.
Levi’s journey as a title-winning boxer further highlights her resilience. “Pushing myself beyond limits and passing that inspiration to the next generation is what drives me,” she says. “I’ve proven to myself that with hard work and determination, my dreams can come true.”
“I am more than what you see,” Levi reflects. Although she is deaf, she is also a boxer, coach, and dancer—roles that define her beyond her hearing loss.
Levi hopes to see a Wales that is more inclusive—not just for the deaf community, but for anyone facing disadvantage, regardless of the reason. Her ongoing work continues to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and inspire change for a more equitable future.
Franklin
Franklin Paris is a dedicated community volunteer based in Grangetown, Cardiff. He has been actively involved with the Butetown Community Centre for years, volunteering every Thursday at the food pantry, and is also the President of the CIACS Rugby Club, as well as a volunteer with the Dominos Club. Franklin’s connection to Butetown runs deep, with many family members in the area. He is committed to ensuring that the community centre continues to support local residents, particularly as the area has faced significant changes and challenges over the years.
For Franklin, community means friendship and mutual care. “It’s the people who care about us,” he says, emphasising the importance of coming together to support one another—whether by helping neighbours, supporting the elderly, or guiding the youth. He believes that fostering unity is key to strengthening the community.
Reflecting on changes in the docks area, Franklin acknowledges the improvements and the challenges. “The area has changed a lot, and I wouldn’t say it’s changed for the best,” he admits, but highlights the value of community events like the annual Butetown Carnival, which celebrates the area’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. He is also passionate about preserving the history of the Cardiff International Athletics Rugby Club, founded in 1946 by Sammy John. “There is so much history in the docks that needs to be highlighted,” Franklin explains. He feels strongly the history of the rugby club, which once brought the community together, must be kept alive.
A lifelong resident of the docks, Franklin’s identity is deeply intertwined with the area. “My whole existence revolves around the docks. It’s what keeps me going,” he says. Having arrived in the UK from St. Kitts in 1961, Franklin has always felt a deep connection to the community and the people in it. “The docks is somewhere I feel at home, respected, and not subject to racism,” he reflects. Though he acknowledges that racism still persists in wider Wales, he remains hopeful that one day everyone will have an equal chance in life, regardless of their background.
Franklin’s commitment to his community continues to inspire those around him, driven by a desire to ensure that future generations are supported and the rich culture of the docks remains celebrated and preserved.
Ophelia
Ophelia Santos is a sustainable textile artist based in Cardiff, whose work reflects a deep connection to culture and community, both locally in South Wales and globally. With a focus on sustainability and exploring family ties within the city, Ophelia creates spaces where people can be seen and heard. Through workshops, exhibitions, and curation, she fosters opportunities for engagement and creative expression.
“I feel deeply connected to the city,” Ophelia says. The area holds significant family roots and shared history, which serve as a major influence in much of her work. “Community is about finding a place where you can feel truly at peace, supported, and free to be authentic.” Ophelia believes in a reciprocal relationship, one based on inspiration, encouragement, and mutual support, extending across the communities she identifies with.
Her understanding of the world and its diverse communities allows Ophelia to connect with others, sharing experiences that help shape and enrich both life and creative practice.
Amber
Amber Forde is a Cardiff-based artist whose work is deeply rooted in her Bajan and Welsh heritage. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in South Wales, she explores themes of identity, culture, and community through a variety of mediums, including painting, printmaking, textiles, and photography.
Much of Amber’s photography focuses on personal connections, often capturing intimate moments with family and friends. Her strong visual arts background informs her distinctive use of colour and gesture through her collage painting, bringing each subject to life in a unique way. Central to her work are vibrant, playful ‘bean-like’ figures that she refers to as her children, each representing individuality and the bonds that shape her world.
Amber also documents current culture, from music to fashion, preserving fleeting moments that speak to the broader experience of life in the UK. Through her art, she highlights the significance of community and shared experiences, offering a window into the stories and relationships that define her life in South Wales.
