Law firm Osborne Clarke is partnering with The World Reimagined, a UK-wide arts education project that aims to promote a better understanding of the transatlantic African slave trade and its current impact on society, to make racial justice a reality.

The public sculpture trails comprising ten large Globe sculptures will open in seven UK cities between 13 August and 31 October 2022.

The law firm has sponsored two Globe sculptures, including the eighth Globe on the London trail, designed by Sarah Owusu and located in Fenchurch Street Station. The Globe celebrates the spirit and culture that has endured in the face of incredible suffering and found expression around the world in music, art, food and more. 

The company also sponsored the fourth Globe on the Bristol course, designed by Oshii Rowan and located in Castle Park. The Globe tells the story of the abolition campaign, its key events, heroes and allies.

Explore history 

The art installations will bring to life the reality and impact of the enslaved African slave trade and explore how our past, present and future can be reimagined through a journey of discovery. 

The project invites people across the UK to come together and engage in complex conversations about who we are as a society to stimulate dialogue, raise awareness and create social change.

Ray Berg, the UK managing partner of Osborne Clarke, said: “The World Reimagined is an innovative project that encourages us to confront some of the difficult aspects of our shared history. The art trails will provide a platform to open up conversations, with our colleagues, clients and communities, about racial injustice and the role we all have to play in tackling discrimination.”

Bola Gibson, Head of Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility at Osborne Clarke, added: “There is so much history in the fight for racial justice that there is no quick fix. We are on a journey, and the support of World Reimagined is another small step we have taken towards educating and challenging ourselves to tackle racial inequality.”

Commitment to DE&I

Beyond the World Reimagined project, the firm continues to invest in programmes that support the progression of racial and ethnic minorities, including early support for the Stepping Up programme and work with the 10,000 Black Interns initiative.

Osborne Clarke is committed to the need for racial equality in the workplace. The firm’s network of race and ethnic staff (OC REACH) challenges and supports the firm, providing useful information and promoting education and understanding of the challenges faced by minority communities. 

The firm has signed the Race Equity Pledge and the Race at Work Charter as part of its commitment to race equality. It has published resources on anti-racism and race equality for colleagues and launched a reverse mentoring programme and an independent review of its recruitment practices.

Finally, Osborne Clarke plans to publish its full Race Action Plan in the autumn.