Huddersfield Rising

Huddersfield Rising is a new community-led mural project using large-scale public art to bring some colour, joy and unity back to Kirklees. We’re proud to be part of this campaign and excited about what it can achieve for our town.

Through community-led mural making, we will create safer, more welcoming public spaces where children, young people and residents can connect, build confidence and feel a stronger sense of belonging. The project aims to be genuinely inclusive of all ages, ethnicities and communities, with murals shaped by local voices and stories.

We will train and commission local artists, and involve children and young people in hands-on design and delivery alongside experienced practitioners. Young people will take part in workshops and co-design sessions, building skills, confidence and stronger connections to their community. We also aim to expand paid opportunities for artists at all career stages. 

Alongside this, the project will support improved wellbeing and safety for residents, with evidence showing that public art can reduce stress, increase trust and help people feel safer in public spaces. UK surveys found 84% of participants reported improved happiness and mental health after viewing public art, and wider mural programmes have been linked to reductions in vandalism, antisocial behaviour and other crime.

Huddersfield Rising is in its inception phase and is being shaped through ongoing community consultation with local residents and community groups. According to our most recent survey of 350 Kirklees residents, 97% approved of the project. Funding raised will support community mobilisation, fair artist fees, materials, access costs and workshops, and help unlock further grant funding for long-term impact.

Want to help? You can support the project via our GoFundMe and follow progress on Facebook and Instagram using the buttons below.