00 COMMUNITY HEROES ARE CELEBRATED ON NOTTINGHAM CASTLE WALLS
A DAZZLING photography display was projected on the walls of Nottingham Castle on Thursday night (17 Feb) putting local heroes, including paramedics and community workers, at the heart of its countdown to reopening in 2021.
The spectacular ‘Nottingham’s In Your Face’ project showcased the faces of 100 residents on its walls – from NHS employees and teachers, charity workers and community leaders, poets and artists, campaigners, activists and more – alongside historical figures, such as the city’s notorious and rebellious outlaw Robin Hood and quotes from well-known local poets, rappers and writers.
Due to the UK lockdown restrictions, the event was captured digitally and hosted across Nottingham Castle’s social media channels. The castle is planning to stage the projection in full later in the year, when restrictions have eased, to allow the community and the people of Nottingham to enjoy the display in the castle grounds, which are due to open in the Spring.
Nurse practitioner and participant Juliet Wright said: “I have lived in Nottingham for more than 30 years and actually discovered that my grandfather and his heritage is grounded in this city, so this project was such an exciting opportunity for me.
“As a nurse, working in an inner-city GP surgery, my role is very much centred around encouraging patients to take control of their health and to also ensure I provide the best possible care. This year has been tough for the NHS and key workers, so it’s an honour to represent my community and the castle.”
Josh Osoro Pickering, engagement and participation officer at Nottingham Castle, said: “It was hugely important to us that we launch the lead up to Nottingham Castle’s reopening, by putting the people of our city on the castle walls. This striking artwork is a celebration of our diverse local communities, our essential workers, campaigners and creative talents, but the main intention of the project was to make a bold statement.
“Historically the castle walls were built to keep people out and we wanted to repurpose them. By seeing a wide representation of local people projected onto this historical site, we want everyone to know that the Nottingham Castle is their space – a welcoming, vibrant, creative place that belongs to them.”
Nottingham’s In Your Face, which was commissioned by Nottingham Castle and Nottingham BID and created by Vent Media, is the first of a series of cultural events that will take place at Nottingham Castle in the lead up to its re-opening. Participants of the event also included, NTU student Suleman Salim, paramedic Rosea Poynter and poet, archivist and PhD researcher Panya Banjoko.
To find out more about Nottingham Castle, please visit: https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/
