13/07/2009

Issued By: York Archaeological Trust 

An exciting new Viking-inspired art exhibition set in the centre of York will be officially opened by City Archaeologist John Oxley on Monday 13 July.

Working in partnership, York Archaeological Trust, Arts Action York (the community arts team at City of York Council), and Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd have encouraged community groups throughout the city to produce a series of paintings that illustrate what life was like in Viking York.

The community groups, including adults with learning difficulties, families and older people in sheltered housing, have been working with artists over the last few months to create paintings based on Viking themes including voyaging, battle, markets and shops, and house and home.

The 24 paintings are prominently displayed on a 50 metre length of hoardings provided by developers Crosby Lend Lease and Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd for community art displays at the Hungate site.

This is the fourth exhibition of community paintings at the outdoor gallery on the hoardings.   Emily Harvey from Arts Action York says: "One of our aims is building stronger communities, something this project does by providing a great opportunity for local groups to work together and show off their creative talent for the public to enjoy."

The team at York Archaeological Trust is passionate about its charitable and community work.  The Hungate Hoardings Project is one of several community projects that YAT are involved with. 

Jane Stockdale, Events and Exhibitions Manager from York Archaeological Trust, an independent charity, says, "Working with the community is really important to everyone at YAT.  We're keen to involve as many people as possible in the work we do and enjoy helping people discover the history and archaeology of Greater York.  The Hungate Hoardings Project has been very successful; the paintings look great and really capture the Viking themes."

The team at YAT has set up a number of community-based projects including the Greater York Community Archaeology Project, which helps people to get involved in exploring the archaeology and history in the area they live, a Young Offenders Project and the Community Arts and Drama projects undertaken annually as part of the JORVIK Viking Festival.  In addition to these projects, YAT also conducts oral history work which has brought together the memories of York residents to produce a series of history books. 

To find out more and get involved with York Archaeological Trust visit http://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/involved/community1.htm

-ENDS-