Town square provides blank canvas for artists

ARTISTS are being given an exciting opportunity to contribute to the vibrant regeneration of the Dearne by creating new mural artwork for the Horse and Groom Square at the heart of Goldthorpe.

The new artwork will pay tribute to the rich heritage and culture of the area, reflecting its storied past and promising future.

Artists are invited to submit their expressions of interest, showcasing their creative vision and ability to engage with the local community.

A council spokesperson said: “We’re jointly launching this open commission with the cultural development organisation Beam.”

The project is part of the Goldthorpe Town Deal, which aims to rejuvenate Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe, and Bolton upon Dearne with an investment of £23.1 million from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.

Coun Robin Franklin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are thrilled to announce this open call for artists to bring their creativity to Goldthorpe’s Horse and Groom Square.

“This new artwork will not only celebrate our unique heritage but also inspire pride within our community.

“I strongly encourage artists with a passion for community engagement and a flair for storytelling through art to apply.”

Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Board, said: “The Horse and Groom Square provides a blank canvas for an artist to truly make their mark.

“Goldthorpe and the Dearne has a rich history to draw from and this project will enable us to honour that past while looking to the future.

“I look forward to seeing the incredible ideas that we hope will emerge from this commission.”

Frances Smith, principal consultant at Beam, said: “We’re looking forward to working with the local community and the appointed artist to build on the great work already delivered at Horse and Groom Square and to continue to share the story of Goldthorpe in creative ways in the heart of the town centre.”

The Towns Fund programme in Goldthorpe has already achieved significant milestones, including the opening of Horse and Groom Square last year.

Designed as a public square, events space and market place, the square features curving pathways and colourful floral borders as well as the pub sign preserved from the former Horse and Groom pub.

Artists interested in applying for the mural commission should download the brief from the BEAM website.

A “drop-in” Q&A session for interested artists will be held over Zoom from 1pm to 2pm on Friday 8 November.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 9am on Monday November 18.

Supporting creativity is at the heart of the Towns Fund programme, which has also delivered the restoration of the Dearne Playhouse, complete with new rehearsal facilities in the basement.

We are also working with Beam to commission an artist for a celebratory artwork at the new access roundabout completed earlier this year on the A635 Dearne Valley Parkway to the west of Goldthorpe.

The chosen artist for this commission will be announced in the coming months.