A Fresh Canvas: Art of Protest Unveils New Look, New Vision, and Three Powerful Services

Art of Protest has rebranded with a new website and focus on three key services: Placemaking, which transforms public spaces into vibrant community hubs; Talent, which empowers creatives through educational workshops; and Agency, which amplifies community voices through public art strategies. We're also launching the Street Art Academy a talent development program for underrepresented groups, offering skills training and mural creation opportunities.

Art of Talent

From Dyslexia to Headship: Jeff Talks to Jordan Cairns About His Education Journey

In this insightful interview, Jeff sits down with Jordan Cairns, a seasoned educator with over 12 years of experience as a school leader and now a headteacher of a large secondary school. Jordan shares his remarkable journey, from overcoming dyslexia and academic challenges to becoming a passionate advocate for creative and hands-on learning. He discusses the importance of nurturing diverse talents, particularly in disadvantaged students, and how creative approaches can bridge academic gaps. Jordan also delves into the value of programs like Art of Protest’s Creative Learning Workshops, emphasising their role in fostering holistic development and equipping students with essential life skills. His unique perspective, shaped by his own educational experiences, offers valuable insights into the power of creative education and its impact on students' lives.

Art of Placemaking

Celebrating Acomb’s Front Street community paint on Saturday 22nd March

Art of Protest invite you to celebrate in style on Saturday 22nd March for Acomb's Front Street mural unveiling and launch event. This exciting event will start at the mural, located at Front Street/Cross Street (SNIPS Barbers) at 4pm and continue from 6pm at BlueBird Bakery, Rise. Everyone is welcome!

Art of Protest

Acomb's New Mural: A Celebration of Community, History and Art

Acomb’s new mural, Return of the Oaks, has transformed Front Street into a vibrant celebration of community, history, and creativity. Spearheaded by Art of Protest and shaped by over 300 residents through workshops, the design reflects Acomb’s heritage as an ancient oak forest while embracing accessibility and inclusivity. Alongside the mural, eight redesigned benches now serve as artistic landmarks, further enriching the area’s public spaces. This project is more than an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a testament to local pride, collaboration, and the power of art to bring people together. Inspired by its success, the community is already looking ahead to future public art initiatives.

Art of Protest

Launching The First Ever Children's Capital of Culture in Rotherham with Land Art by AOP Team

In December 2024, Art of Protest (AOP), in partnership with the Children’s Capital of Culture Engagement Team, will deliver three land art installations across Rotherham’s parks and green spaces. Please come celebrate the installations from New Year's Day. 

Celebrating Sunderland’s Rebel Women: Bringing Heritage to Life with a New Art and Culture Trail in Sunderland

Art of Protest, in collaboration with local organisations, has expanded its "Rebel Women of Sunderland" street art project, honouring notable women with connections to the city. The latest addition is a mural of the late singer Faye Fantarrow, joining other prominent figures like Dr Marion Phillips and Emeli Sandé. The project, part of the "Future Walls" initiative, aims to celebrate women's contributions to Sunderland, a city historically associated with male-dominated industries. Local talent was involved in creating Faye Fantarrow's mural, blending emerging and professional skills. The artwork, alongside other murals and paste-ups, forms an art and culture trail, bringing these women's stories to life through visual art and written narratives. The project highlights the importance of celebrating local heritage and using art to connect communities, making history relevant and engaging for contemporary audiences. It has been praised for its impact on the community, showcasing the achievements of women in various fields and inspiring future generations.

An Eye for Talent: the Future Walls Talent Development Programme

Art of Protest Projects (AoPP) prioritises community engagement by incorporating local talent into their projects. They conduct workshops to identify key themes and voices within communities, which they then amplify through their Talent Development program. This program includes established and emerging artists, as well as individuals who have never considered themselves artistic. In a recent project, "Future Walls" in Sunderland, AoPP collaborated with local photographer Alice Shelley. Shelley, who rediscovered her passion for photography after a personal loss, documented the project and captured the community's positive reactions to the public art. She highlighted the importance of showcasing local pride and the impact of art on people's daily lives. Shelley found the experience revitalising, reinforcing her love for documentary-style photography and her desire to work with local artists and cultural initiatives. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the passionate team at AOP.

Running out of STEM? Need more STEAM!

Steve Roberts, a science enthusiast and educator, observed an Art of Protest creative learning workshop and discussed the potential of integrating arts into the STEM curriculum (STEAM). He acknowledges the dominance of STEM due to the increasing focus on technology in the economy, but recognises the value of creative learning in fostering problem-solving, self-expression, and "outside the box" thinking. He believes creative learning can build confidence by encouraging risk-taking and accepting that there isn't always a "right" answer. Roberts advocates for integrating design and technology with computing, and incorporating creative learning techniques into mainstream teaching. He witnessed Art of Protest's methodology creating an engaging environment where students felt free to participate and collaborate, noting the workshops' relevance to real-world skills like teamwork and applied mathematics. He suggests that a balanced approach, including creative thinking, would benefit students' attainment, career prospects, and future workforce needs, fostering innovative and entrepreneurial minds. While primarily focused on physics, he humorously acknowledges his own creative pursuits in DIY and interior design, suggesting a need for further exposure to creative learning workshops.

A Crisis in Education - Who Cares?

Art of Protest believes creative learning is essential for a better society, especially for marginalised youth, but current education systems are failing them with a "one-size-fits-all" approach focused on STEM and exams. They offer Creative Learning workshops using street art to build crucial life skills like problem-solving and communication, aiming to support mainstream education and provide specialised support for SEND students. They call on educators, parents, and community members to collaborate and support their mission to address the education crisis and empower young people.

Words from the wise: John Clark talks education, social work and what his five decades of experience have taught him

John Clark, Executive Chair of Art of Protest, brings decades of experience in youth justice and restorative justice, and a personal history of struggling within the traditional education system, to his work. He believes deeply in the transformative power of the arts, particularly for vulnerable youth, stemming from his early career in theatre and later work in social work and restorative justice. He criticises the "one-size-fits-all" approach in schools, advocating for a radical overhaul that incorporates more creative learning and addresses the high pupil-to-teacher ratio. He argues that the current system disadvantages those from less privileged backgrounds and stifles critical thinking. Clark envisions a system where creative learning is integrated, allowing students to thrive and develop confidence, and believes Art of Protest's approach aligns with this vision. He advises young people to follow their passions and take risks, valuing personal fulfilment over material wealth.

Embracing Curiosity and Creativity in Education: A Parent’s Perspective

Vanessa Beckett, homeschooling mother of three autistic sons, found Art of Protest's creative sessions highly beneficial. She praises the team's adaptable, compassionate approach, contrasting it with mainstream schooling's rigid, test-focused system. Beckett advocates for creative, personalised education, highlighting art's importance for neurodivergent children. She commends Art of Protest's engaging methods, which helped her sons express themselves and build confidence.

Finding Your Voice through Creative Learning

Gemma Waygood, a social work-experienced project manager at Art of Protest, champions creative learning as vital for vulnerable youth. She argues their workshops, using art like spray painting, build confidence, communication, and teamwork, creating safe spaces for self-expression. Witnessing young people overcome trauma and embrace their identities, she believes this approach fills a critical gap in education.