Local communities in six towns across the Wakefield district are set to be celebrated through an exciting series of murals created by leading artists. The project, which will see large-scale, community-inspired artworks appear in Hemsworth, Knottingley, Ferrybridge, Ossett, South Elmsall, and Normanton, is part of a broader initiative aimed at bringing colour, creativity, and pride to these areas.
Public art coming to six towns
Residents of Hemsworth, Knottingley, Ferrybridge, Ossett, South Elmsall, and Normanton will soon have the opportunity to enjoy distinctive murals that reflect the unique character of each town. The project, spearheaded by Wakefield Council in collaboration with Beam, a local creative organisation, will see renowned artists engage directly with the local communities to create artwork that celebrates their identity and spirit.
The mural initiative is not only about beautifying the towns but also about involving the people who know these areas best—residents, businesses, and community groups. Their input will shape the final designs, ensuring each mural is a meaningful representation of its surroundings.
A partnership for cultural growth
According to Councillor Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, the mural project is about more than just adding colour to public spaces. It’s about celebrating community identity and fostering creativity.
“We’re really excited that work is getting underway to create these landmark murals, designed to celebrate our places, our communities, and our creativity,” said Appleyard. “Residents, businesses, and community groups are experts on their local areas. And we will be using this knowledge to create amazing new public art to celebrate our towns.”
Appleyard highlighted the importance of community collaboration, noting that the people who will see the murals daily are best placed to inform what should be included in the designs. “By working together, we will help brighten up some of the key gateways into our towns. I can’t wait to see the creations,” she added.
The project’s artistic vision
The murals will be created by five leading artists, each of whom has been carefully selected to bring their expertise to one of the six towns. Douglas Black, Oskar, Harriet Lawson, Shiraaz Ali, and Peachzz will each be taking on the challenge of designing murals that capture the essence of their respective communities.
The sites chosen for the murals include some of the most prominent and accessible locations in the district:
- Hemsworth: A mural will be created by Douglas Black on an external wall of Hemsworth Library, a location steeped in community spirit.
- Knottingley and Ferrybridge: Oskar will be responsible for two sites—Hill Top Parade in Knottingley and the gable end of High St Fisheries in Ferrybridge.
- Normanton: Harriet Lawson will bring her creativity to Normanton Market, creating a mural that speaks to the vibrancy of the local area.
- Ossett: Richmond’s Butchers in Market Square will provide the canvas for Shiraaz Ali’s contribution to the town of Ossett.
- South Elmsall: The One Stop shop will host a mural by Peachzz, bringing a splash of colour to this key community space.
Each of these artists will be working closely with residents, particularly young people, to ensure that their designs capture the spirit of the local community.
Art with local impact
Chair of the Public Art Steering Group, Gordon Watson, emphasised the significance of the murals, stating,
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to get involved with the exciting artists selected to create the murals. Each mural will be new, contemporary public art that celebrates and enhances our local communities and can be enjoyed by all at the gateways to local places. They will add to the richness of art in public spaces in the Wakefield district.”
The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the communities involved, not only by beautifying the towns but by fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the public spaces that are often overlooked.
Building lasting connections through art
The initiative goes beyond the creation of murals—it’s about building connections and highlighting the significance of community-driven public art. Kate Watson, Principal Consultant at Beam, noted the meaningful collaboration between artists and the local communities, stating,
“The artists who have been commissioned bring a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality projects with communities to create work that has meaning and impact. We can’t wait to see the artworks that they develop with the people from each of the six towns.”
This sense of connection is central to the project’s vision, particularly as it relates to the overarching theme of ‘Crossings and Gateways’, which is part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024.
Our Year – Wakefield District 2024: celebrating community and heritage
The murals are a key part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, a year-long celebration of the district’s culture, creativity, and connection. Designed to be inclusive, the programme aims to provide 366 days of events and activities that everyone in the Wakefield district can enjoy. The mural project is just one of many initiatives that will take place throughout the year, but it’s expected to leave a lasting legacy, transforming public spaces and celebrating the district’s rich heritage.
As part of the ‘Crossings and Gateways’ theme, the murals will symbolise the connections that exist within the district and highlight important community spaces. The programme also looks to the future, aiming to create a legacy of public art that will be enjoyed by future generations.
Financial backing and support
The mural commissions, along with the broader programme of events for Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, have received significant financial support. West Yorkshire Combined Authority has invested £850,000 into the initiative, while Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have provided £500,000 and £245,000 respectively. This funding will help ensure that the murals, and the wider programme, have a lasting and transformative impact on the district.
Artist perspectives: bringing community stories to life
The artists involved in the project have expressed their excitement and honour at being chosen to contribute to the project. Shiraaz Ali, who will be creating the mural for Ossett, said,
“I am so honoured and humbled to be able to work with Wakefield Council and the communities to bring some colour, joy, and love into the area and make people feel proud of their home.”
Similarly, Harriet Lawson, who will design the mural for Normanton, remarked,
“I’m honoured to be commissioned for this mural opportunity and excited to work with the local community. Together, we’ll create a meaningful piece of art that reflects our shared stories.”
Douglas Black, who will be working on the mural at Hemsworth Library, spoke about the importance of community spaces, saying,
“When we are open to crossing paths, it brings change—whether small or significant. Each encounter is an opportunity to be heard, seen, and to meet new people. Libraries, like Hemsworth Library, are perfect for this, as they offer a place to explore ideas and connect with others without being rushed.”
Finally, Oskar, who will be working on the murals in Knottingley and Ferrybridge, said,
“It’s an honour to be selected for this commission. The project’s emphasis on Wakefield’s heritage and community engagement is really exciting, I can’t wait to get painting!”
A legacy of art and community spirit
With work on the murals expected to be completed before the end of the year, residents of Hemsworth, Knottingley, Ferrybridge, Ossett, South Elmsall, and Normanton can look forward to a series of stunning new artworks that will brighten their towns and celebrate the unique stories of their communities. These murals will not only serve as visual landmarks but will stand as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of celebrating local identity.
For more information on Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 and the mural project, visit Experience Wakefield.
