The University of York has been awarded funding to lead Walmgate Reframed, an ambitious community heritage project that will celebrate the rich identity of the high street through the production of new-media artwork.
The project places a strong emphasis on inclusio - enabling local voices to be heard.
Walmgate Reframed aims to revitalise the high street and serve as a pilot for new ways to engage communities in high impact creative projects.
The project will draw on the stories, histories and lived experiences of local people to inspire an artwork that reflects the area's unique character.
With 37.8% of children and young people in Walmgate growing up in low-income households, the project places a strong emphasis on inclusion—enabling their voices to be heard and offering creative opportunities that inspire new futures.
Historical interpretation
Led by the University of York's Digital Creativity Network, the project brings together key University projects and Institutes with City partners. XR Stories will contribute facilities, technical and R&D support.
The Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past will shape the historical interpretation, while York Creatives will coordinate community engagement and creative development, and lead commissioning of an original artwork for the City.
York Civic Trust and City of York Council will contribute expertise in heritage and local planning, drawing on previous work including the Walmgate Improvement Plan. Lazenby Brown will develop the visual identity for the project.
Creative community
Additional support comes from the Merchant Adventurers, York Conservation Trust, and Friends of York Walls, who will share archives, expertise, and local insight. The final artwork is scheduled for installation in December 2025.
Heather Niven, Associate Dean for Partnerships, Engagement and International for Arts and Humanities, and Project Lead, said: "This project will enable our talented creative community to develop great artwork, in conjunction with the community of Walmgate, to showcase their stories and celebrate their place.
"It will allow University of York students to engage with the rich history of the place, and the community who live there. I am really excited to start work on the project in partnership with York Creatives and others across the city."
Local storytelling
Sarah Williams, Managing Director of York Creatives and main project partner said: "Creative placemaking can be a powerful vehicle for local storytelling, identity and aspiration.
"That work needs to be led by the communities that live and work there. By working closely with Walmgate we hope to find new expressions of community and creativity. York Creatives is excited to be a big part of this project: bringing together the best of the creative scene to work with the Walmgate communities."
Further information:
About the Mayors 'Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund:
The Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund received 42 applications for its first phase from across York and North Yorkshire. It will run from 2024-28 with an approved total funding pot of £10m which will be allocated during that time.
Useful links:
