Three land art installations, including a giant illuminated sign on Rother Valley Country Park, have landed in Rotherham to mark the borough’s debut as Children’s Capital of Culture 2025.
The 25-metre Hollywood hill-style sign sits atop of Rother Valley Country Park for thousands to see. Spelling out ‘You’re Not From New York, You’re From Rov’rum’ in homage to the famous Arctic Money lyrics, creators hope the sign will give young people a sense of pride in their home town during the landmark year for the borough.
The celebratory new artworks have been developed by young people from local schools and youth groups in partnership with creative collective, Art Of Protest (AOP). As well as the leading Rother Valley piece, a disused band stand at Rosehill Park has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor art gallery, while an immersive art walkway with hanging tree trinkets has been installed at Kimberworth Park.
Councillor David Sheppard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Neighbourhood Working at Rotherham Council, said: “We’re kicking off a huge year of creativity and colour in Rotherham with these fantastic pieces of land art taking over our parks and green spaces. They are part of a jam-packed programme of events and activities designed by our young people for our festival year, which we hope everyone enjoys and gets involved with.”
Aston Youth Group helped design the installation at Rother Valley Country Park. Neurodivergent young adults from Kimberworth Park Community Partnership helped bring the installation for Kimberworth Park to life, while eight- and nine-year-olds from Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School informed the concept for the interactive bandstand at Rosehill Park. Each piece has a QR code so visitors can learn more about how the installations have been created.
There is also much more to be announced, so keep an eye on the Children’s Capital of Culture social media channels and website, www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk.