Over six months, the UNBOUND programme has given the Wakefield and West Yorkshire based artists the chance to shadow and be mentored by an experienced artist delivering a real-time project in a public space, alongside training and support.

Rebecca, Joanne, Ruth and Zephie all took part in the programme and praised the experience it has given them.

Rebecca Feneley said: “The UNBOUND programme came at the perfect time for me as I was looking to gain a greater understanding of art in the public art realm and expand my experience working as a mural artist. The programme’s training sessions and talks with industry professionals were extremely inspiring and directly helpful. And my one-to-one learning with my mentor (Harriet Lawson) has been invaluable in improving my approach to community engagement, public art and mural projects.”

Joanne Tiffany said: “The UNBOUND development and mentoring programme has given me an abundance of insight and knowledge that I did not have before. The programme gave me the confidence to look for and apply for opportunities to work with communities and organisations and submit applications for public space artworks. This development programme has made me look beyond researching public artwork of other artists and envisage and design work for public spaces.”

Ruth Agbolade said: “The UNBOUND programme has been a game-changer for me. It’s opened my eyes to what’s possible with public art and mural painting, how you can create work that people don’t just see, but experience. It’s also pushed me to think more about how my art interacts with the environment and the people who engage with it. The mentoring aspect has been incredible too, having a renowned Artist like Megan (Peachzz) has given me the confidence to see myself as someone who can create mural work for bigger, public-facing projects.”

Zephie Begolo said: “The UNBOUND programme has made me think about my work in a completely different way and has opened my eyes to the possibilities and practicalities of creating public art.  I have made connections that will last beyond the programme and have gained insights into the processes involved in public art that I wouldn’t have done without this scheme. I’m really excited to see where it takes me!’

UNBOUND has been delivered on behalf of Wakefield Council by Beam and Yorkshire and Humber Visual Arts Network (YVAN).

Fran Smith, Consultant at Beam, said: “Beam was delighted to have been commissioned, in collaboration with Yorkshire Visual Arts Network, to develop this exciting new training and mentoring programme as part of Our Year 2024. It’s created opportunities for Wakefield and West Yorkshire based artists to develop their practice working with communities and in public spaces.

We’re thrilled to work with the mentees, mentors and partners to facilitate artists to gain new skills, and to support a greater diversity of artists to build the experience and knowledge to deliver artwork in public spaces.”

The programme has been funded by Wakefield Council, the Cultural Development Fund and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.