Art / bristol pound
Bristol Pound notes to be transformed into giant shoal of fish
Schools across Bristol are being invited to participate in an ambitious citywide art project exploring the relationship between money and the environment through transforming decommissioned Bristol Pound notes into a shoal of more than 10,000 fish.
The Bristol Pound was a local currency launched ten years ago by a non-profit community interest company to encourage residents to spend their money on local and independent businesses.
However, it was withdrawn from circulation in 2020 after being hit by the rise in technology and cashless payments.
is needed now More than ever
The fish installation is the brainchild of artist Mary Collett, originally commissioned to design the £10 note and the Bristol Pound CIC.
Bristol Pound notes were used as legal tender in Bristol for over a decade – photo: Bristol Pound
The idea of transforming the money into a shoal of fish was inspired by a quote from Alanis Obomsawin, a native American activist filmmaker of Abenaki descent, at an international conference more than 50 years ago: ‘When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realise that one cannot eat money.’
Diana Finch, managing director of Bristol Pound CIC said: “We’re really pleased that Bristol Pounds are still creating an impact, even though they are no longer in circulation.
“Through this project, children can consider how the economic system needs to change to create an environmentally sustainable future and think about their own roles in that transformation.”
Mary Collett’s design on the £10 note – photo: Bristol Pound
Participating schools will be encouraged to explore the relationship between our economic system and the environment through lesson resources.
The installation will be displayed at the M Shed this summer as part of an exhibition celebrating activism in Bristol.
Schools wanting to participate should email info@bristolpay.org.uk. The deadline for the completion of this project is May 31.
Main photo: Bristol Pound
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