THE first wave of artists taking part in South Yorkshire’s biggest-ever public art event, Pride of Yorkshire, has been announced, after 400 artists applied to take part.
The trail, coming to Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster next Summer, follows in the pawprints of the Bears of Sheffield and the Herd of Sheffield, which raised more than £1.5m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Sixty artists have now been commissioned to transform a pair of lions into unique pieces of art – with more exciting names and collaborations in the pipeline. In total, there will be 150 lions on display right across South Yorkshire, to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital. This trail aims to raise £2.8 million for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting world-class care for children and young people throughout South Yorkshire and beyond.
The line-up brings together a vibrant mix of Yorkshire talent and national names, including:
• Pete McKee, known for his nostalgic depictions of everyday life with humour and warmth.
• Peachzz (Megan Russell), a Sheffield street artist who earned a top spot in an international mural competition thanks to her incredible mural at Pounds Park.
• Sanna Florence, whose mindful drawing tutorials have inspired over half a million followers worldwide.
• James Brunt, known for his large-scale outdoor installations created from natural materials.
• Kid Acne (Ed Bradbury), recognised for his bold, slogan-filled murals and distinctive hand-drawn typography.
They will be joined by many more artists from across the UK, each bringing their own style and story, from street art and illustration to fine art and graphic design.
Artist Peachzz, whose work is receiving a lot of buzz across the arts world, said:
“I love being part of exciting projects like this, especially when they support charitable causes. This project also gives me the chance to create something unusual and fun. For me, it’s about bringing energy and purpose to the artwork while making a positive difference.”
Cheryl Davidson, Project Lead for the Pride of Yorkshire, said:
“Our final line-up represents some of the very best artistic talent from Yorkshire and across the UK.
“We want this trail to reflect the people, places and things that make our region so special, from its music, sport and culture, to its innovation, landscape and sense of humour. There is so much to be proud of, and all of that will be celebrated on the trail, alongside the 150-year milestone of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.”
For the first time ever, the charity is also inviting visitors to see the artists at work in a public painting space in Sheffield city centre, offering people a first glimpse of the lions as they come to life. The official launch date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Among the first artists to begin painting is Sheffield artist James Brunt, known for his large-scale outdoor installations created from natural materials. His sculptures, which capture the spiral patterns found in nature, are a first for the artist.
James said:
“I spend a lot of time creating things that only last a moment; nature reclaims them as soon as I walk away. So to make something that will stay out in the world a bit longer, and be seen by so many people, especially children, feels really special.”
Each lion sculpture will be sponsored by businesses, then auctioned off at the end of the trail to raise funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
For the full artist line-up, visit: prideofyorkshire.org/artists.