VIDEO: "Art-bomb" project unites against hate

The “art bomb” project has seen volunteers’ floral artworks scattered around shops, open spaces and public buildings.

Minster Gardens, the Old Market Gallery and Heart of Steel all host the handmade pieces.

Most have been fixed to the town hall, to which the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley, welcomed guests on Monday for the outdoor exhibit’s official opening.

The mayor said: “It’s amazing what’s been done. I really would urge people to come and have a look.

“Thank you so much to everyone who put this together and to everyone who made a piece of art, because it’s brilliant.”

Volunteers made their public art pieces at schools, nurseries, galleries and community centres.

The project is part of Love is Louder, kicked off two years ago by Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance and financed by the Big Lottery Fund. 

The scheme invites residents to drown out hate with cross-cultural, collective acts of art and culture.

Cllr Pitchley added: “Every resident can take part because it’s inclusive to all.

“I think the project is a fantastic idea. It’s very nice for Rotherham and shows we have good people here, who are standing up against hate.”

The mayor joined in with the art bomb, making a quilted flower which is on display in the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop.

She was presented with a bunch of knitted flowers and a quilted picture of sheep, made by children at Flutterbies Nursery in Parkgate.

Emma Sharp, REMA’s policy and engagement officer, started Love is Louder two years ago in response to right-wing marches.

“We’ve worked with LGBT, disability, faith and race groups to create some really strong, visual imagery about what hate crime is,” she said.

“We’re just trying to connect people positively who may not have connected in everyday life.

“They’re working together on a project to create something beautiful and colourful.”

More than 120 organisations and hundreds of people individually have been involved, including Lifeline Rotherham, the Rainbow Project and independent shops.

“I’ve just felt overwhelmed by it,” said Emma. “I’ve nearly been in tears putting stuff out. There was always a little fear that this wasn’t going to happen, but it has.”

Organisers are calling on anyone still keen to contribute to get in touch and make replacements.

Emma said: “I hope it starts showing some positivity for Rotherham.

“We need to show people that we are a community. That there aren’t any ‘no-go areas’ or anything like that. That’s just rubbish.

“We’re strong together and we do all work together positively.”

For more information on Love is Louder and for contact details, visit www.facebook.com/loveislouderrotherham.

Alternatively, call 01709 720744 or email [email protected].