1. WELCOME

By Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport

The Wakefield Public Art Framework, which was adopted by the Council earlier this year, is the first step towards realising the district’s vision for high-quality, accessible public art focused on community, creativity, production and innovation. All of which will contribute to Wakefield’s growing reputation as a cultural hotspot and a meeting place for creativity.

The Framework also provides guidance and support for the growth of creativity in its widest sense and recognises the positive impact such activity has on our everyday lives; it can celebrate diversity, support learning and skills and promote wellbeing.

Public art also benefits our local economy. Creativity and imagination will never become obsolete or be out of fashion, it is vital to the district’s future success as it brings employment opportunities and creates a stimulating and attractive place for visitors to stay, shop and spend.

The Guide to Developing Murals & 2D Artwork sits alongside the Public Art Framework and adds to the growing menu of creative opportunities that will enhance the quality of our public spaces. Mural and street art has a growing and popular appeal which can be clearly seen across our cities and towns. It became even more prominent during the pandemic as seen by the murals that suddenly appeared on walls around Pontefract. The Banksy style imagery by Rachel List communicating a colourful and poignant tribute to our heroic NHS and frontline health workers.

The creative possibilities are almost endless, with a wide variety of surfaces and physical locations across the district readily available as ‘blank canvases’ just waiting for creative imaginations to be unlocked. The range of exciting opportunities are quite clearly demonstrated in the Case Studies and Murals A-Z which supplement this document.

The Guide to Developing Murals & 2D Artwork has been developed from extensive research undertaken at a local, regional and national level and is supported by consultation with a wide range of local stakeholders and organisations. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this document especially Kate Watson, the Principal consultant at Beam and the artist Emmeline North.

Councillor Michael Graham Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Wakefield Council