Instagram Story Save

Henge is here!!! Huge thanks to @lightupleicester for commissioning us (Andy Johnson-Smith and me!). Inspired by ancient henges the world over and how they continue to gather us together like a beacon of light!! Interactive, with beautiful colour and sound and some old school drawings pondering our collected wisdom!
#henge #lightart #lightfestival #lightartist #leicester #lau #ancientwisdom #solstice #lightfestival2025

Been playing with sensorium rethinking the beautiful complexity of our neural pathways. We are not any one of these neurons but somewhere between the connections ‘we’ emerge.

#amazingscience #scienceandart #lightart #lightartist #mentalhealth #neurons #sensorium #gemmawood

A remarkable installation by Gemma Wood in the grounds of St James Church! 🤩 #Enlighten

@lutnorth @hyndburncouncil @artofbeingnowhere

A remarkable installation by Gemma Wood in the grounds of St James Church! 🤩 #Enlighten

@lutnorth @hyndburncouncil @artofbeingnowhere

A remarkable installation by Gemma Wood in the grounds of St James Church! 🤩 #Enlighten

@lutnorth @hyndburncouncil @artofbeingnowhere

I was delighted to see The Happiness Sum spreading joy once again at Festival of Tomorrow — with the Hive of Happiness filling up several times a day. The game is simple:
👉 Think of something that makes you happy
👉 Then score it… to discover by how much. Inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s Felicific Calculus, participants measure:
– How intense the feeling is
– How long it lasts
– How certain it is to happen
– How quickly it comes
– How often you can experience it
– And of course… purity (how many people share in that happiness)
And of course, top scorers?
Time with family and friends ❤️
(although pets regularly take the lead 🐾) But those elusive purity points…
They’re highest when happiness is shared — groups, communities, collective moments. What starts as a playful exercise quickly becomes something more reflective.
People begin to question how they spend their time… and what truly brings them joy. So I’m curious:👉 What would score highest in your happiness sum?
First commissioned for Shine.

#HappinessSum #FestivalOfTomorrow #ArtAndScience #PublicArt #InstallationArt #Wellbeing #CreativePractice #AudienceEngagement #ExperienceDesign

I was delighted to see The Happiness Sum spreading joy once again at Festival of Tomorrow — with the Hive of Happiness filling up several times a day. The game is simple:
👉 Think of something that makes you happy
👉 Then score it… to discover by how much. Inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s Felicific Calculus, participants measure:
– How intense the feeling is
– How long it lasts
– How certain it is to happen
– How quickly it comes
– How often you can experience it
– And of course… purity (how many people share in that happiness)
And of course, top scorers?
Time with family and friends ❤️
(although pets regularly take the lead 🐾) But those elusive purity points…
They’re highest when happiness is shared — groups, communities, collective moments. What starts as a playful exercise quickly becomes something more reflective.
People begin to question how they spend their time… and what truly brings them joy. So I’m curious:👉 What would score highest in your happiness sum?
First commissioned for Shine.

#HappinessSum #FestivalOfTomorrow #ArtAndScience #PublicArt #InstallationArt #Wellbeing #CreativePractice #AudienceEngagement #ExperienceDesign

I was delighted to see The Happiness Sum spreading joy once again at Festival of Tomorrow — with the Hive of Happiness filling up several times a day. The game is simple:
👉 Think of something that makes you happy
👉 Then score it… to discover by how much. Inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s Felicific Calculus, participants measure:
– How intense the feeling is
– How long it lasts
– How certain it is to happen
– How quickly it comes
– How often you can experience it
– And of course… purity (how many people share in that happiness)
And of course, top scorers?
Time with family and friends ❤️
(although pets regularly take the lead 🐾) But those elusive purity points…
They’re highest when happiness is shared — groups, communities, collective moments. What starts as a playful exercise quickly becomes something more reflective.
People begin to question how they spend their time… and what truly brings them joy. So I’m curious:👉 What would score highest in your happiness sum?
First commissioned for Shine.

#HappinessSum #FestivalOfTomorrow #ArtAndScience #PublicArt #InstallationArt #Wellbeing #CreativePractice #AudienceEngagement #ExperienceDesign

🎙️💡 What if your Mind and Body could actually talk? That’s where NETWORK began. I invited people to write letters to their own bodies:
“Dear Body, I thank you for…”
“I accept…”
“I promise to…” Those letters became a haunting, layered soundtrack created by @thebrokenorchestra. Now they live inside a giant inflatable neural network that pulses and breathes with their voices. Philosophy (Descartes’ mind-body split).
Science (how neurons fire when we practise self-compassion).
Wellbeing (the actual biology of healing the relationship with ourselves). All in one walk-through, glowing sculpture. This is art that makes you feel the conversation happening inside you. Seen at Selby Abbey solo show, Light Night Worcester, Deershed Music & Science Festival, Light Night Leeds University campus and The Festival of Tomorrow and Jyvaskyla - city of light. NETWORK is ready to tour. Tag a producer / curator / festival director who needs to see this 👇 It's astonishing value with the fee covering all install and aftercare, a very large scale and meaningful piece for under £10,000. You can also find me on the Light Up The North network.
Or DM me if you’re programming 2026–2027 events. Let’s make the mind-body conversation visible and audible for thousands. #NETWORK #InflatableArt #NeuralNetwork #MindBodyConnection #ScienceArt #LightFestival #ArtAndScience #PhilosophyMeetsScience #WellbeingArt #BrokenOrchestra #PublicInstallation #BeingNowHere

🎙️💡 What if your Mind and Body could actually talk? That’s where NETWORK began. I invited people to write letters to their own bodies:
“Dear Body, I thank you for…”
“I accept…”
“I promise to…” Those letters became a haunting, layered soundtrack created by @thebrokenorchestra. Now they live inside a giant inflatable neural network that pulses and breathes with their voices. Philosophy (Descartes’ mind-body split).
Science (how neurons fire when we practise self-compassion).
Wellbeing (the actual biology of healing the relationship with ourselves). All in one walk-through, glowing sculpture. This is art that makes you feel the conversation happening inside you. Seen at Selby Abbey solo show, Light Night Worcester, Deershed Music & Science Festival, Light Night Leeds University campus and The Festival of Tomorrow and Jyvaskyla - city of light. NETWORK is ready to tour. Tag a producer / curator / festival director who needs to see this 👇 It's astonishing value with the fee covering all install and aftercare, a very large scale and meaningful piece for under £10,000. You can also find me on the Light Up The North network.
Or DM me if you’re programming 2026–2027 events. Let’s make the mind-body conversation visible and audible for thousands. #NETWORK #InflatableArt #NeuralNetwork #MindBodyConnection #ScienceArt #LightFestival #ArtAndScience #PhilosophyMeetsScience #WellbeingArt #BrokenOrchestra #PublicInstallation #BeingNowHere

🎙️💡 What if your Mind and Body could actually talk? That’s where NETWORK began. I invited people to write letters to their own bodies:
“Dear Body, I thank you for…”
“I accept…”
“I promise to…” Those letters became a haunting, layered soundtrack created by @thebrokenorchestra. Now they live inside a giant inflatable neural network that pulses and breathes with their voices. Philosophy (Descartes’ mind-body split).
Science (how neurons fire when we practise self-compassion).
Wellbeing (the actual biology of healing the relationship with ourselves). All in one walk-through, glowing sculpture. This is art that makes you feel the conversation happening inside you. Seen at Selby Abbey solo show, Light Night Worcester, Deershed Music & Science Festival, Light Night Leeds University campus and The Festival of Tomorrow and Jyvaskyla - city of light. NETWORK is ready to tour. Tag a producer / curator / festival director who needs to see this 👇 It's astonishing value with the fee covering all install and aftercare, a very large scale and meaningful piece for under £10,000. You can also find me on the Light Up The North network.
Or DM me if you’re programming 2026–2027 events. Let’s make the mind-body conversation visible and audible for thousands. #NETWORK #InflatableArt #NeuralNetwork #MindBodyConnection #ScienceArt #LightFestival #ArtAndScience #PhilosophyMeetsScience #WellbeingArt #BrokenOrchestra #PublicInstallation #BeingNowHere

🎙️💡 What if your Mind and Body could actually talk? That’s where NETWORK began. I invited people to write letters to their own bodies:
“Dear Body, I thank you for…”
“I accept…”
“I promise to…” Those letters became a haunting, layered soundtrack created by @thebrokenorchestra. Now they live inside a giant inflatable neural network that pulses and breathes with their voices. Philosophy (Descartes’ mind-body split).
Science (how neurons fire when we practise self-compassion).
Wellbeing (the actual biology of healing the relationship with ourselves). All in one walk-through, glowing sculpture. This is art that makes you feel the conversation happening inside you. Seen at Selby Abbey solo show, Light Night Worcester, Deershed Music & Science Festival, Light Night Leeds University campus and The Festival of Tomorrow and Jyvaskyla - city of light. NETWORK is ready to tour. Tag a producer / curator / festival director who needs to see this 👇 It's astonishing value with the fee covering all install and aftercare, a very large scale and meaningful piece for under £10,000. You can also find me on the Light Up The North network.
Or DM me if you’re programming 2026–2027 events. Let’s make the mind-body conversation visible and audible for thousands. #NETWORK #InflatableArt #NeuralNetwork #MindBodyConnection #ScienceArt #LightFestival #ArtAndScience #PhilosophyMeetsScience #WellbeingArt #BrokenOrchestra #PublicInstallation #BeingNowHere

Electric minds. Living light. Human connection. ✨

Network glowing at @festivaloftomorrow — where art meets science and curiosity spills into the night.

Inflatable neurons bloom into colour, dendrite arms stretching, reaching, sparking across space. A luminous reminder that connection isn’t just something we feel — it’s something we are.

At science festivals, Network becomes more than installation. It becomes conversation. Families tracing pathways of light. Children asking how brains speak. Strangers standing together inside a living system.

Art as infrastructure.
Light as language.
Connection made visible.

If you're producing a science festival, innovation programme or public realm event exploring technology, neuroscience, wellbeing or our shared future — Network is ready to connect.

Let’s grow something electric together. ⚡

#LightArt #ScienceFestival #ImmersiveArt #PublicArt #CreativeTechnology #Neuroscience #ArtMeetsScience

🐻‍❄️✨ was great to see POLAR at illuminating Oldham last week!

Seeing the bears glowing against the beautiful Oldham Parish Church, watching people pause, gather, take photos, talk… that’s the magic. Light has a way of bringing us together, even in the coldest and wettest of places. ❄️💙

Huge thank you to the organisers, crew, technicians, and everyone who came out to experience it. Public art only truly comes alive when people step into it — and you did.

On to the next horizon… 🐻‍❄️✨

#Polar #LightArt #Oldham #PublicArt #ArtInTheWild #LightInstallation

IS LOVE JUST CHEMISTRY? ❤️⚡

With Valentine’s around the corner… let’s talk about it.

I’m bringing Network + The Happiness Sum to @festivaloftomorrow 🧠✨ — and both ask the same big question:

Can we measure love?
Can we calculate happiness?
Or is it all just neurons firing?

🧠 Network lets you step inside a glowing neural pathway of light and sound — because as Julian Baggini says,
“Love is indeed a firing of neurons…”

❤️ The Happiness Sum takes inspiration from Jeremy Bentham’s philosophy — turning happiness into a neon game where you score life’s pleasures.

A kiss vs chocolate.
A hug vs a promotion.
Time with family vs time alone.

What makes you happy — and by how much?

This is why I love working in science festival spaces. Big ideas. Playful debate. Shared experiences. Families talking about philosophy under neon light.

If you programme science festivals, STEAM events or immersive family experiences — I’m actively looking to tour this work further.

Tag someone who makes your neurons fire ⚡

#FestivalOfTomorrow #Valentines #ScienceOfLove #Neuroscience #Bentham #ImmersiveArt #LightArt #InteractiveArt #STEAM #FamilyFestival #artmeetsscience

IS LOVE JUST CHEMISTRY? ❤️⚡

With Valentine’s around the corner… let’s talk about it.

I’m bringing Network + The Happiness Sum to @festivaloftomorrow 🧠✨ — and both ask the same big question:

Can we measure love?
Can we calculate happiness?
Or is it all just neurons firing?

🧠 Network lets you step inside a glowing neural pathway of light and sound — because as Julian Baggini says,
“Love is indeed a firing of neurons…”

❤️ The Happiness Sum takes inspiration from Jeremy Bentham’s philosophy — turning happiness into a neon game where you score life’s pleasures.

A kiss vs chocolate.
A hug vs a promotion.
Time with family vs time alone.

What makes you happy — and by how much?

This is why I love working in science festival spaces. Big ideas. Playful debate. Shared experiences. Families talking about philosophy under neon light.

If you programme science festivals, STEAM events or immersive family experiences — I’m actively looking to tour this work further.

Tag someone who makes your neurons fire ⚡

#FestivalOfTomorrow #Valentines #ScienceOfLove #Neuroscience #Bentham #ImmersiveArt #LightArt #InteractiveArt #STEAM #FamilyFestival #artmeetsscience

IS LOVE JUST CHEMISTRY? ❤️⚡

With Valentine’s around the corner… let’s talk about it.

I’m bringing Network + The Happiness Sum to @festivaloftomorrow 🧠✨ — and both ask the same big question:

Can we measure love?
Can we calculate happiness?
Or is it all just neurons firing?

🧠 Network lets you step inside a glowing neural pathway of light and sound — because as Julian Baggini says,
“Love is indeed a firing of neurons…”

❤️ The Happiness Sum takes inspiration from Jeremy Bentham’s philosophy — turning happiness into a neon game where you score life’s pleasures.

A kiss vs chocolate.
A hug vs a promotion.
Time with family vs time alone.

What makes you happy — and by how much?

This is why I love working in science festival spaces. Big ideas. Playful debate. Shared experiences. Families talking about philosophy under neon light.

If you programme science festivals, STEAM events or immersive family experiences — I’m actively looking to tour this work further.

Tag someone who makes your neurons fire ⚡

#FestivalOfTomorrow #Valentines #ScienceOfLove #Neuroscience #Bentham #ImmersiveArt #LightArt #InteractiveArt #STEAM #FamilyFestival #artmeetsscience

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

🐝 Swarmgate 🐝

A new community Art exhibition, Art trail and installation has arrived in Walmgate

Have you spotted the bees yet?

Launched on the 11th December the exhibition runs for 5 months
Walmgate reframed project is led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start of the @artofprotestgallery at the Top of Walmgate and see artwork from local artists, residents and children from Fishergate School.

In shop windows theres a QR code in a wooden hive, this will take you to hear lots of poems and stories.
QR codes are in the following shops @botanicyork @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial, One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers.

Such a great community project, if your passing or in the area, go have a visit,

If you’re looking for something to do in the weeks around Christmas and throughout January, look no further than Walmgate where a brand new art exhibition, art trail and artwork installation launched on Thursday 11th December as the culmination of the five-month-long Walmgate Reframed Project led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start at the @artofprotestgallery at the top of Walmgate: learn about the project and view some amazing artworks by local residents, artists and children from Fishergate school!

At the Art of Protest window you'll then see the first QR code which will take you to the immersive audio art trail, written by writers of York and curated by the York Creatives team!

Follow the art trail down the street stopping off at @botanics @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers. If you want to listen to all of the stories and poetry this will take you about 45 minutes (look for a dry day and bring headphones!). You can also listen to these at home if you want - just follow the link in our bio 🎧

Look up from the barbers and you'll see the Swarmgate artwork installation by Gemma Wood! This is an artwork created by local Pocklington artist Gemma Wood and features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by hundreds of light, which was chosen by the local community in a vote. In Gemma Wood’s words: “Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. Inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the old tradition of ‘telling the bees,’ it celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate. As a local artist, I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”

The project has been developed as part of York’s wider regeneration efforts and funded through the Vibrant & Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Please let us know what you think via the form in our bio!

If you’re looking for something to do in the weeks around Christmas and throughout January, look no further than Walmgate where a brand new art exhibition, art trail and artwork installation launched on Thursday 11th December as the culmination of the five-month-long Walmgate Reframed Project led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start at the @artofprotestgallery at the top of Walmgate: learn about the project and view some amazing artworks by local residents, artists and children from Fishergate school!

At the Art of Protest window you'll then see the first QR code which will take you to the immersive audio art trail, written by writers of York and curated by the York Creatives team!

Follow the art trail down the street stopping off at @botanics @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers. If you want to listen to all of the stories and poetry this will take you about 45 minutes (look for a dry day and bring headphones!). You can also listen to these at home if you want - just follow the link in our bio 🎧

Look up from the barbers and you'll see the Swarmgate artwork installation by Gemma Wood! This is an artwork created by local Pocklington artist Gemma Wood and features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by hundreds of light, which was chosen by the local community in a vote. In Gemma Wood’s words: “Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. Inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the old tradition of ‘telling the bees,’ it celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate. As a local artist, I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”

The project has been developed as part of York’s wider regeneration efforts and funded through the Vibrant & Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Please let us know what you think via the form in our bio!

If you’re looking for something to do in the weeks around Christmas and throughout January, look no further than Walmgate where a brand new art exhibition, art trail and artwork installation launched on Thursday 11th December as the culmination of the five-month-long Walmgate Reframed Project led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start at the @artofprotestgallery at the top of Walmgate: learn about the project and view some amazing artworks by local residents, artists and children from Fishergate school!

At the Art of Protest window you'll then see the first QR code which will take you to the immersive audio art trail, written by writers of York and curated by the York Creatives team!

Follow the art trail down the street stopping off at @botanics @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers. If you want to listen to all of the stories and poetry this will take you about 45 minutes (look for a dry day and bring headphones!). You can also listen to these at home if you want - just follow the link in our bio 🎧

Look up from the barbers and you'll see the Swarmgate artwork installation by Gemma Wood! This is an artwork created by local Pocklington artist Gemma Wood and features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by hundreds of light, which was chosen by the local community in a vote. In Gemma Wood’s words: “Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. Inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the old tradition of ‘telling the bees,’ it celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate. As a local artist, I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”

The project has been developed as part of York’s wider regeneration efforts and funded through the Vibrant & Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Please let us know what you think via the form in our bio!

If you’re looking for something to do in the weeks around Christmas and throughout January, look no further than Walmgate where a brand new art exhibition, art trail and artwork installation launched on Thursday 11th December as the culmination of the five-month-long Walmgate Reframed Project led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start at the @artofprotestgallery at the top of Walmgate: learn about the project and view some amazing artworks by local residents, artists and children from Fishergate school!

At the Art of Protest window you'll then see the first QR code which will take you to the immersive audio art trail, written by writers of York and curated by the York Creatives team!

Follow the art trail down the street stopping off at @botanics @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers. If you want to listen to all of the stories and poetry this will take you about 45 minutes (look for a dry day and bring headphones!). You can also listen to these at home if you want - just follow the link in our bio 🎧

Look up from the barbers and you'll see the Swarmgate artwork installation by Gemma Wood! This is an artwork created by local Pocklington artist Gemma Wood and features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by hundreds of light, which was chosen by the local community in a vote. In Gemma Wood’s words: “Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. Inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the old tradition of ‘telling the bees,’ it celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate. As a local artist, I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”

The project has been developed as part of York’s wider regeneration efforts and funded through the Vibrant & Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Please let us know what you think via the form in our bio!

If you’re looking for something to do in the weeks around Christmas and throughout January, look no further than Walmgate where a brand new art exhibition, art trail and artwork installation launched on Thursday 11th December as the culmination of the five-month-long Walmgate Reframed Project led by @yorkcreatives and @uniofyork

Start at the @artofprotestgallery at the top of Walmgate: learn about the project and view some amazing artworks by local residents, artists and children from Fishergate school!

At the Art of Protest window you'll then see the first QR code which will take you to the immersive audio art trail, written by writers of York and curated by the York Creatives team!

Follow the art trail down the street stopping off at @botanics @khaosan_road_thai_tapas @bishbashpot @littleblondiebakehouse @thebigaplus @thimbelinaofyorkofficial One Stop, @blueberrycharityshop and Class Cut Barbers. If you want to listen to all of the stories and poetry this will take you about 45 minutes (look for a dry day and bring headphones!). You can also listen to these at home if you want - just follow the link in our bio 🎧

Look up from the barbers and you'll see the Swarmgate artwork installation by Gemma Wood! This is an artwork created by local Pocklington artist Gemma Wood and features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by hundreds of light, which was chosen by the local community in a vote. In Gemma Wood’s words: “Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. Inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the old tradition of ‘telling the bees,’ it celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate. As a local artist, I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”

The project has been developed as part of York’s wider regeneration efforts and funded through the Vibrant & Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Please let us know what you think via the form in our bio!

🐝✨ BUZZING NEWS ✨🐝
I’ve been a very busy bee… and I can finally share why 👀

So pleased to have been commissioned for Walmgate Reframed — a community engagement project made with
💛 @yorkcreatives
🏛️ @yorkcitycouncil
🎓 @uniofyork
@lazenbybrown_york
@thinicepress
@mediale_uk
🐝 and the incredible residents of Walmgate and made possible by the funding and belief of the @ynymayor Mayor of York.

This isn’t just an artwork — it’s a trail of stories.

📍 Start at Art of Protest Gallery
🎨 Discover artwork of & by Walmgate residents (plus a few sneaky bee prints from me)
📱 Wander the street, scan QR codes hanging in local shop windows
✍️ Unlock poetry + stories created in workshops
✨ Follow the buzz to glowing bees and a shimmering hive

The intention?
To shine a light on a sometimes forgotten but vibrant part of town.
To celebrate place, people and collective creativity.
To keep the hive alive long after the lights dim 🐝💫

So proud of this one. Community-powered, gently glowing and full of heart.
More buzzing to come… 🌼

#WalmgateReframed #CommunityArt #PublicArt #CreativePlacemaking
#LightArt #SociallyEngagedArt #HiveMind #ArtInTheCity #lightart #lightartist
#CreativeCommunities #YorkCreatives #BusyBee #PublicArtUK
#QRArt #ArtTrail #BeeTheChange 🐝✨

🐝✨ BUZZING NEWS ✨🐝
I’ve been a very busy bee… and I can finally share why 👀

So pleased to have been commissioned for Walmgate Reframed — a community engagement project made with
💛 @yorkcreatives
🏛️ @yorkcitycouncil
🎓 @uniofyork
@lazenbybrown_york
@thinicepress
@mediale_uk
🐝 and the incredible residents of Walmgate and made possible by the funding and belief of the @ynymayor Mayor of York.

This isn’t just an artwork — it’s a trail of stories.

📍 Start at Art of Protest Gallery
🎨 Discover artwork of & by Walmgate residents (plus a few sneaky bee prints from me)
📱 Wander the street, scan QR codes hanging in local shop windows
✍️ Unlock poetry + stories created in workshops
✨ Follow the buzz to glowing bees and a shimmering hive

The intention?
To shine a light on a sometimes forgotten but vibrant part of town.
To celebrate place, people and collective creativity.
To keep the hive alive long after the lights dim 🐝💫

So proud of this one. Community-powered, gently glowing and full of heart.
More buzzing to come… 🌼

#WalmgateReframed #CommunityArt #PublicArt #CreativePlacemaking
#LightArt #SociallyEngagedArt #HiveMind #ArtInTheCity #lightart #lightartist
#CreativeCommunities #YorkCreatives #BusyBee #PublicArtUK
#QRArt #ArtTrail #BeeTheChange 🐝✨

🐝✨ BUZZING NEWS ✨🐝
I’ve been a very busy bee… and I can finally share why 👀

So pleased to have been commissioned for Walmgate Reframed — a community engagement project made with
💛 @yorkcreatives
🏛️ @yorkcitycouncil
🎓 @uniofyork
@lazenbybrown_york
@thinicepress
@mediale_uk
🐝 and the incredible residents of Walmgate and made possible by the funding and belief of the @ynymayor Mayor of York.

This isn’t just an artwork — it’s a trail of stories.

📍 Start at Art of Protest Gallery
🎨 Discover artwork of & by Walmgate residents (plus a few sneaky bee prints from me)
📱 Wander the street, scan QR codes hanging in local shop windows
✍️ Unlock poetry + stories created in workshops
✨ Follow the buzz to glowing bees and a shimmering hive

The intention?
To shine a light on a sometimes forgotten but vibrant part of town.
To celebrate place, people and collective creativity.
To keep the hive alive long after the lights dim 🐝💫

So proud of this one. Community-powered, gently glowing and full of heart.
More buzzing to come… 🌼

#WalmgateReframed #CommunityArt #PublicArt #CreativePlacemaking
#LightArt #SociallyEngagedArt #HiveMind #ArtInTheCity #lightart #lightartist
#CreativeCommunities #YorkCreatives #BusyBee #PublicArtUK
#QRArt #ArtTrail #BeeTheChange 🐝✨

🐝✨ BUZZING NEWS ✨🐝
I’ve been a very busy bee… and I can finally share why 👀

So pleased to have been commissioned for Walmgate Reframed — a community engagement project made with
💛 @yorkcreatives
🏛️ @yorkcitycouncil
🎓 @uniofyork
@lazenbybrown_york
@thinicepress
@mediale_uk
🐝 and the incredible residents of Walmgate and made possible by the funding and belief of the @ynymayor Mayor of York.

This isn’t just an artwork — it’s a trail of stories.

📍 Start at Art of Protest Gallery
🎨 Discover artwork of & by Walmgate residents (plus a few sneaky bee prints from me)
📱 Wander the street, scan QR codes hanging in local shop windows
✍️ Unlock poetry + stories created in workshops
✨ Follow the buzz to glowing bees and a shimmering hive

The intention?
To shine a light on a sometimes forgotten but vibrant part of town.
To celebrate place, people and collective creativity.
To keep the hive alive long after the lights dim 🐝💫

So proud of this one. Community-powered, gently glowing and full of heart.
More buzzing to come… 🌼

#WalmgateReframed #CommunityArt #PublicArt #CreativePlacemaking
#LightArt #SociallyEngagedArt #HiveMind #ArtInTheCity #lightart #lightartist
#CreativeCommunities #YorkCreatives #BusyBee #PublicArtUK
#QRArt #ArtTrail #BeeTheChange 🐝✨

🐝✨ BUZZING NEWS ✨🐝
I’ve been a very busy bee… and I can finally share why 👀

So pleased to have been commissioned for Walmgate Reframed — a community engagement project made with
💛 @yorkcreatives
🏛️ @yorkcitycouncil
🎓 @uniofyork
@lazenbybrown_york
@thinicepress
@mediale_uk
🐝 and the incredible residents of Walmgate and made possible by the funding and belief of the @ynymayor Mayor of York.

This isn’t just an artwork — it’s a trail of stories.

📍 Start at Art of Protest Gallery
🎨 Discover artwork of & by Walmgate residents (plus a few sneaky bee prints from me)
📱 Wander the street, scan QR codes hanging in local shop windows
✍️ Unlock poetry + stories created in workshops
✨ Follow the buzz to glowing bees and a shimmering hive

The intention?
To shine a light on a sometimes forgotten but vibrant part of town.
To celebrate place, people and collective creativity.
To keep the hive alive long after the lights dim 🐝💫

So proud of this one. Community-powered, gently glowing and full of heart.
More buzzing to come… 🌼

#WalmgateReframed #CommunityArt #PublicArt #CreativePlacemaking
#LightArt #SociallyEngagedArt #HiveMind #ArtInTheCity #lightart #lightartist
#CreativeCommunities #YorkCreatives #BusyBee #PublicArtUK
#QRArt #ArtTrail #BeeTheChange 🐝✨

Another install for henge and a new sight -a bandstand!!!! @northernlightsnewcastle it will be here until after Christmas for all to enjoy with a geordie twist!!!! Xxx love it!!!! #northernlights #lightfestival #lightartist #christmaslights #christmaslightfestival #lighttrails #festivalvibes❤️

Another install for henge and a new sight -a bandstand!!!! @northernlightsnewcastle it will be here until after Christmas for all to enjoy with a geordie twist!!!! Xxx love it!!!! #northernlights #lightfestival #lightartist #christmaslights #christmaslightfestival #lighttrails #festivalvibes❤️