Rotherham’s town center transformed into an urban art playground Feb. 22-24, 2022, with an array of activities designed to bring out the young people of the town for a three-day interactive experience. UPLIFT festival realized a fusion of urban art colliding with Team Great Britain’s (GB) finest skaters and BMXers for a nostalgic look back to the early 90s grunge skate scene.
UPLIFT’s goal was to connect the community through street art and inspire a younger generation. The event came to life with street furniture, stickers, large vinyls, floor coverings and even a phone box takeover. This high impact backdrop elevated the entire experience and highlighted the desire of Rotherham’s young people to immerse themselves in the creative and physical outlet that has been lacking from the area. UPLIFT’s art creations included neon geometrics, 3D lines and shapes, and unique patterns giving the appearance of motion.
According to Jeff Clark, director of Art of Protest Projects, which produced the event, “Being able to bring new, vibrant energy to Rotherham through the fusion of street art and urban skating and cycling is beyond exciting to us! Featuring Team GB’s incredibly talented crew who are hopefully making their way to the Olympics is a once in a lifetime chance, and we are just so thrilled to be able to bring this to the younger generation of Rotherham.”
With hands-on graffiti workshops delivered by Tom Jackson of highly-acclaimed street artist duo Static, as well as interactive skate and cycle workshops designed to engage and inspire, this event serves as a model of how impoverished areas can inspire and celebrate through a mutual love of art and athleticism.
UPLIFT saw a diverse group of festival goers who were able to interact with artists, athletes and other local residents experiencing the infusion of color, design and movement in a neighborhood that desperately needed fresh energy. Rotherham is a poverty-stricken town of northern England that has had its fair share of criticism related to the treatment of youth in the area.
“It’s such a privilege to get to come out and skate with young kids and watch them become inspired and take chances,” said Pro BMXer Jack Mcquire of Team GB. “We all start somewhere, and when I see some kids connect with the bike or board, it fills me full of joy because I remember being that kid and making those connections. It kept me out of trouble and gave me a pathway to do something amazing.”
About the Production Team:
Art of Protest Projects is a York-based art and media company and team of creatives who deliver urban art based projects including numerous large and small scale exhibitions, murals, events, landscape design, trail and street art and more. Their expertise lies in the imagination, planning and delivery of various projects worldwide. From producing large murals all over the world to city park and urban space redesign to intimate and bespoke arts and culture events, AOP Projects has the vision and experience to deliver highly curated and professional projects across all sectors.
Art Of Protest Projects: website | instagram
