The Art Trail
Wednesday 31 March - Sunday 2 May 2021
In March 2021 Artwalk Wakefield took over 20 windows throughout Wakefield City Centre, displaying creations by 61 Wakefield District residents and workers.
The Art Trail launched on Wednesday 31 March for Artwalk Wakefield, and the works (reproduced as A0 posters) were displayed in windows across the city centre for 1 month, creating an art trail for the public to explore safely whilst many cultural institutions and venues remained closed.
We were absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible response to our open call for visual art, photography, designs, literature and lyrics. To showcase all of the vibrant work submitted we curated a virtual exhibition which you can explore here.
We really wanted to celebrate the creativity of the people who live and work in Wakefield with this project, as well as brightening up the high street whilst many shops were still closed due to the national lockdown. We thank all of the venues that let allowed us to take over their windows to do that.
Creativity and culture play an important role in all of our lives, and since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, that has never felt truer, with more and more people turning to creativity to express themselves and brighten up their world. The Art Trail not only gave amateur, hobbyist and professional artists with an opportunity to showcase their work, but also gave visitors, residents and workers in Wakefield free access to art and culture on their doorstep.
We were so overwhelmed by the response to our open call for the Art Trail that we decided to celebrate everyone who submitted their work. One thing is certain, Wakefield is brimming full of creativity.
Our virtual exhibition is designed to accompany the Art Trail and features original work from the selected Trail artists alongside all of the brilliant submissions we received in response to our open call.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed.
A huge thank you to all of our venues for hosting the Art Trail - The Art House, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Lobby 1867, Wakefield Cathedral, Golden Pineapple, RBT Video, Woodhead Investments, The Ridings Shopping Centre, West Yorkshire History Centre, Merrie Studios and Eco Babies.
And thank you to our featured artists for taking part - Alex Stephenson, Amy Cooper, Ann McCall, Bea, Henson, Beth Morgan, Bob Clayden, Burgette Matthews, Callum Trout, Cameron Hopkins, CoActive, Dave Royston, David Vincent Wheeler, Dawn Blatherwick, Elias Chadwick, Emily Binks, Emily Walton, Gary Bunting, Harriet Lawson, Helen Field, Helen Riddle, Helen Thomas, Holly Greenwood, Hoshi Dee, Imogen Milburn, Jan Parsons, Jim Souper, Joe Rocky Holey, John Chamberlain, Josh Parkin, Karen Chambers, Linda Fowler, Lisa Robinson, Louise Allen, Louise O’Connell, Mateusz Szczurek, Matthew Atmore, Michael Burke, Mirela Mahmutovic, Matty Freeman, Neon Drip, Nathanial Laydon, ODAS, Paid Lyons, Ranya Abdulateef, Rhubarb Design House, Richard Chappelow, Robert P. Clarke, Robert Broad, Ryan Hanmer, Sam Collins, Sarah Osborne, Scott Colliar, Shannon Wishon, Summer Jones, Tania Kuritzin, The Merrie Collective, Tom Jenkins, Tony Wade, Yvonne Warriner and Wakefield Adult Education Service.
"Overall, I had an amazing time participating in the Artwalk Wakefield. It was the first time that my work was physically displayed in front of such a large audience. I feel that this has hugely benefited my confidence as an artist and it has been a huge step for me."
"This was such a great opportunity to share work publicly, the first time I’ve been able to do so. Great for confidence to see your own work sitting alongside other creative people and being enjoyed by the wider community."
"Friends of mine across the UK and abroad have enjoyed the film night Artwalk and the virtual Art Trail exhibition. They are envious of what the Artwalk offers here. I was very proud to take part and to live in Wakefield."
If you’re feeling inspired to get creating yourself, you can make your own poster with the help of our Ana Jaks inspired Artwalk illustration.
The Art Trail was our response to The Great Big Art Exhibition, a 100-day initiative encouraging people to hang artwork in windows across the UK to celebrate the creativity in each and every one of us.