Touring Truck Art Project at Redbridge, 30 Sep – 2 Oct
Tue 30 September – Thu 2 October 2025, 9:30am-2:30pm
Ilford and Chigwell
About the project
Across South Asia, vibrant and bold trucks can be seen wobbling along highways, their surfaces covered in metalwork that glitter brilliantly in the sun, adorned with swinging garlands of colorful pom-poms and bells. The drivers, often spending long periods away from home on the road, decorate their vehicles in the distinctive ‘Truck Art’ style as a reminder of the places and people they loved.
Drawing inspiration from this rich cultural tradition, Colours of Redbridge brought what was probably the world’s first fully-electric Truck Art truck to Redbridge—a moving masterpiece that celebrated all of our diverse communities.
The Truck
The truck is designed collaboratively by local groups from across Redbridge, each contributing their unique perspective on what home means to them. Through this creative process, the vehicle became more than just transportation; it transformed into a vibrant canvas that reflected the hopes, memories, and cultural heritage of our community. Every decorative element told a story, weaving together the diverse threads that made Redbridge home.
Community engagement through performances and workshops
The project brought the truck to life through a rich program of activities that engaged residents of all ages and backgrounds:
Akademi curated a series of South Asian dance performances that celebrated the spirit of the project and introduced the truck to the local school pupils and community members. These performances were carefully structured to encourage participation while offering entertainment.
Featuring:
- Jaina Modasia – semi classical inspired by Kathak (30 Sep) at Fairlop Primary School
- Showmi Das – Bollywood and Bengali folk dance (1 Oct) at Gilbert Colvin School
- Chittal Shah – Garba/ Dandiya at Inclusive Communities and Hainault Library.
Each session consisted of a 10-minute full performance that demonstrated the beauty and energy of South Asian dance traditions. This was followed by a 20-minute participatory segment where dancers engaged directly with the audience, inviting them to join in and learn basic movements. Two 30-minute sessions were delivered each day, ensuring wide community access to the program