the street is our gallery

There was a huge community turnout for the launch of Art of Protest‘s new mural and street furniture, inspired by returning nature to the heart of Acomb. The mural is titled “Return of the Oaks” and brings back the woodland to the high street.
In addition, eight public benches were painted to reflect the local trees in the Acomb area. Each bench features a carved-out leaf emblem, uniting them together and adding a distinctive aesthetic. The trees’ names feature on the benches, serving as a reminder of the diverse ecology in the area. Throughout the week residents and visitors have praised the installation for its brightness and welcoming vision.

The views of the local community were central to the designs. A comprehensive engagement programme featuring 17 events and street art workshops at various locations across Acomb captured residents’ wishes. This conveyed the community’s strong voice, which is reflected in the nature and geometric design.

An innovative Street Art Academy trained up the local community and four residents were chosen to take part in the talent development programme and assist on the mural. This has created a legacy and uplifted the skills and confidence of the participants.

Jeff Clark, Creative Director at Art of Protest said:
“I’m beyond pleased to say that this public art project has been a huge success. Getting to know the Acomb community was not only paramount to influencing the design of the artwork but also a real pleasure in itself.”

Tom Jackson, Lead Artist at Art of Protest said:
“Working on a project in the place where I live is a privilege. My children and I will walk past this mural almost every day, and I’m fortunate that the people of Acomb have embraced it in such a positive way.”

There was a real sense of celebration and excitement at the event held at the mural. The Lord Mayor, Local Councillors and Sheriff joined in the celebrations and took part in the pop-up street art workshops. Art of Protest organised an exhibition at Rise (Blue Bird Bakery) of the community art produced from the engagement sessions.

The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said:
“It was great to be at the event at the weekend to see the amazing new artwork and other changes around Acomb. This is an incredible piece of work which speaks volumes about working together as a community. “It is wonderful to see the links to Acomb’s heritage and the local woodland within the paintings – thank you to everyone involved!”

Cllr Katie Lomas, City of York Council Executive Member with responsibility for Finance and Major Projects, said:
“I am very proud of Acomb and the way the local community has come together to shape these recent changes. This new artwork is a fantastic addition and really pulls together all the work that has been going on to improve the area.

“The wider scheme, funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has seen some real investment in the area over recent months. It has brought not only this incredible artwork but also upgraded seating, planting, wayfinding and many other improvements to help ensure Front Street is a great place to be for years to come.“I would like to thank everybody involved in making this happen and anyone who has got involved along the way. I especially want to pay tribute to the wider engagement work done by the Art of Protest team to engage and inspire young people across the Acomb area, making sure they know that art is for them too.”

Local resident and mother of one of our talent development students, Kat Hunt said “Throughout the project and the community engagement sessions, she’s developed new skills and she has so much more confidence in her artwork as a result. It’s really inspired her. It’s fantastic that Acomb now has such vibrant artwork, inspired by the views of the local community.”
Art of Protest is a York-based unique urban art and engagement specialist. They are experts in placemaking, are approved Alternative Providers offering a Street Art Academy through the

Danesgate Community Pupil Referral Unit, and are driven by partnering with the local community, public sector and businesses to transform spaces through public art. If you would like to work with them please contact them at info.aopprojects@gmail.com

This art project is part of the wider scheme to improve Front Street and create a more accessible, vibrant, people-friendly space. The council received £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding to deliver these phase 2 improvements, which include new seating and planters, improved Blue Badge parking, wide and level pedestrian crossings, wayfinding signs and upgraded public toilets.

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