Art of Talent

AOP Co-Produce Inspiring Mural with Manor School Pupils

The Art of Protest (AOP) Team has been working alongside Manor Church of England Academy school with a cohort of young people to co-produce a piece of art that really matters to them and the world around them. Students were chosen due to having barriers to attendance and the project inspired them to re-engage through creativity and sense of belonging. The students took part in several workshops and engagement sessions to help shape and create an amazing piece of art to go on the wall on outside of the school to showcase the students' thoughts and what diversity means to them. The bright and colourful piece which includes famous street artist ‘Keith Haring’ style characters, pointing to our earth surrounded by a planet, each student painted. It tells a story that we are all from one universe and one planet and that all rights matter regardless of the differences.

Art of Protest

Acomb Fest

Art of Protest return with a bang with an ambitious Summer 2026 Acomb Arts Festival The Art of Protest (AOP) Team is building on the success of the previous art installations and engagement in Acomb. Working with Greater Acomb Community Forum, Acomb Alive and local stakeholders the Acomb Creative Community Festival has received funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. The ambition is to deliver an annual festival to transform Acomb Front Street into an open-air gallery and event centre, creating legacy and vibrancy through co-production, talent development and sustainability.

Art of Protest

Malton- The Next Chapter

Art of Protest to deliver an exciting year-long art installation programme in Malton called the ‘Next Chapter’ Partnering with Malton Town Council, the Fitzwilliam Estate and local stakeholders, Art of Protest will be creating a vibrant open-aired gallery of storytelling over 2026 to 2027. This will complement Malton's rich heritage as a historic town by celebrating its literary connections through a programme of installations and events. 

Art of Talent

Children's Right To Protest

Does protest bring about equality? Art of Protest (AOP) was perfect to deliver a peaceful protest project aligning with the ethos of AOP and Professor Ann Skelton, Children’s Rights Lawyer and commissioned by the University of York. AOP dreamed up the project with the young people at Door 84 Youth & Community Centre to deliver an impactful and colourful protest mural. In the current age where protest is being challenged, it’s essential we teach young people how to have their voices heard.

Art of Placemaking

Art Making Impact: North Street Gardens Mural

Art of Protest (AOP) has unveiled new legacy murals at North Street Gardens, York, celebrating the Rowntree family's profound impact. These artworks, part of the York Art Trail, mark Joseph Rowntree's centenary, honoring his contributions and the gift of these gardens. Through partnerships with Door84, local youth helped inform designs, while a York St John student gained valuable experience. This collaborative project, supported by multiple partners and funded by Nestlé, revitalizes the community space, fostering pride and making a visible, positive impact on the city.

Art of Agency

The Power Of Public Messaging and Urban Navigation

Public art and strategic campaigns illuminate the significant role street art plays in shaping public discourse and influencing our interaction with the urban environment. We are no longer passive recipients, waiting for messages to serendipitously fall upon us. Instead, through thoughtful design, curation, and deliberate placement, artists and campaigners can create visual breadcrumb trails, leading us through carefully constructed narratives and drawing our focus to specific points within our communities.

Unleashing Potential: The Art of Protest's 5 C’s based Creative Learning Model

AOP contends that curiosity, the spark that ignites learning, is fostered through a safe environment that encourages exploration and creative expression. Confidence is built through supportive affirmations and opportunities for students to own their ideas. Collaboration, considered crucial in today's world, nurtures teamwork and communication skills. Capability is developed through a structured approach that builds a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Finally, creativity, the output of the other four Cs, is fostered through play-based learning that encourages innovative problem-solving.

Art of Placemaking

The Art of Placemaking - How to Take the Community With You

Employing community-centric placemaking, Art of Protest revitalises underinvested areas like Northern England. Through deep engagement, we transform local aspirations into tangible expressions of pride and belonging, building lasting creative capacity. "Return of the Oaks" in Acomb, York, showcases this: a community-designed project fostered civic pride and ownership, demonstrating public art's power in community transformation.

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 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.