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.
are Supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and partly funded by Malton Town Council and the Fitzwilliam Estate, over 30 Malton businesses and community groups supported Art of Protest’s application for funding to the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. Art of Protest has previously partnered with Malton Town Council and local schools to improve a derelict bus stop into a piece of art and undertake in-depth engagement to reshape the Rainbow Lane pump track.
Malton Town Council and the Fitzwilliam Estate have provided some match funding to initiate a series of mural and art installations to transform spaces by creating a story telling art trail and series of unveiling events. Charles Dickens’ famous character Scrooge was based on his accountant friend from Malton. It is Art of Protest’s aim to bring this and many other stories to life by animating this tale through art installations, reigniting interest and celebrating the rich history of our North Yorkshire marketing town and drawing people into Malton’s high streets.
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Central to the project is the community engagement and creative learning workshops which will be undertaken in the town centre, as well as with local schools. Art of Protest would love to hear your ideas and will draw up a list of authors and literary connections for the community to review and shape the design briefs. This will transform 5 sites and 5 alleyways in the town centre, connect businesses and increase footfall. The project will be delivered over the course of 12 months creating a buzz with 10 installations and will include celebration events and networking opportunities held at local business venues.
Jeff Clark, Creative Director, said “There are so many interesting stories connecting incredible authors to the region, from Dickens to Tolkien and Bram Stoker. We want to build on the success of the Hay Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival to celebrate Malton's unique heritage to put Malton on the literary and artistic map. This is a project for everyone and we want to hear your stories and ideas. The project is about an uplifting Malton businesses and over 10 business will be involved driving interest and footfall through a series of events”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, "High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities. That's why I'm backing community led projects across York and North Yorkshire.
"Like The Next Chapter, which will transform Malton into a vibrant open-air gallery, celebrating its rich heritage as a historic town. Through creative installations and events, it will spotlight local authors and artists, bringing storytelling to life in the heart of the community.
"Residents and businesses understand most what is needed in their communities, and I am proud to be backing their plans with my Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund."
The Fitzwilliam Estate, said “The Estate is delighted to be working with Art of Protest and Malton Town Council for the ‘Next Chapter’. This is a sympathetic but bold art and culture project that will complement the heritage buildings and character of Malton. David Skaith’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund will enable a visual project that celebrates Malton and draws visitors and footfall to the town with added business opportunity for engagement and collaboration through a series of launch events.”
Cllr Lindsay Burr MBE said " I am absolutely delighted to hear this excellent news, this is a new chapter for Malton
Partners plan to hold a planning event on Monday, 17th November 6-7pm in Malton. If you would like to attend, please contact Malton Town Council at ; clerk@malton-tc.gov.uk
If you have any queries about the project, please contact; malton.aop@gmail.com
