Grace Springer Pobl Lleol / Local People (2024) About the people in the photographs
Tia 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.