York Trailblazers
Celebrating York’s heritage through an exciting and inclusive city-wide programme of events and activities across 2023 – 25
Calling all residents and visitors of York! Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable adventure as we introduce the captivating York Trailblazers—a thrilling city-wide programme that will ignite your imagination. Brought to you by Make It York and York Civic Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this extraordinary initiative will celebrate York's heritage like never before.
Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey along our magnificent sculpture trail, set to transform the very heart of our city. Picture this: a vibrant tapestry of awe-inspiring Tansy Beetle sculptures, each one a unique tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped York's history. From spring to autumn of 2024, our streets will come alive with these remarkable works of art, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity in everyone who encounters them.
Known as “The Jewel of York”, the endangered Tansy Beetle has been chosen as the emblem of the Trailblazer project, reflecting its special status as a York resident given its riverside habitat along the banks of the River Ouse . The Tansy Beetle’s perseverance echoes the rich history of people from York who have blazed trails locally, nationally and globally, leading the way in their spheres of influence to make the world a better place.
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Get Involved!
Join the Fun
York Civic Trust and Make It York are developing and delivering the project together and are thrilled to announce a community grants scheme for diverse community and heritage groups.
From July 2023 to September 2024, these amazing groups will bring you a series of fantastic events and activities as part of our programme. Want to get involved? Grant applications will open in June 2023, so mark your calendars!
Unleash Your Creativity
Calling all residents! Be a part of the magic by joining our lively community workshops.
Together, we'll decide who our incredible 'York Trailblazers' are, and even have a say in the individuals celebrated through the stunning sculptures on the Trailblazers trail. These engaging workshops will take place in the summer of 2023—don't miss out!
Artistic Marvels Await
Prepare to be amazed as talented visual artists respond to our community's chosen York Trailblazers.
Each sculpture will be a masterpiece, brimming with uniqueness and capturing the essence of the person it celebrates. We'll be on the lookout for artists to create these extraordinary designs in autumn/winter 2023. Get ready to witness the creativity unfold!
Digital Heritage Experiments
York's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts sets the stage for five remarkable digital heritage experiments.
These experiments will bridge the gap between past and future craft, immersing you in a world where tradition meets innovation. Stay tuned throughout the project as we release these captivating commissions, offering you a glimpse into the wonders of York's heritage.
Explore the Trail
Brace yourself for an enchanting experience like no other—a grand-scale public realm sculpture trail.
As you wander through the streets of York from spring to autumn 2024, be captivated by the breath-taking sculptures that will transform our city's landscape. We're not stopping there! Our trail will also engage schools and leave a long-lasting legacy, rejuvenating areas of York for years to come.
York Trailblazers is a testament to our shared love for this extraordinary city. It is an invitation to embrace the magic of York's heritage, to walk hand in hand with history, and to experience a sense of wonder that will stay with you long after the trail ends. So, join us as we celebrate York's hidden treasures and embark on a journey you won't soon forget!