Large scale, hanging textile banners are inspired by a recognition of Nottingham’s unique historical legacies of protest, as well a projection of future aspirations by and for young people currently living and working in and around our city

Textile banners are a symbol reminiscent of grass root activism and protest, seamlessly contributing to the theme of 2022’s Light Night ‘Rebel City’. Parade banners are synonymous with worldwide movements like the Women’s Suffragettes as well as regional trade union protests through their handmade textile techniques and ‘homemade’ aesthetic. The use of textile techniques to create the artwork is a clear link to Nottingham’s industrial heritage and reputation for revolutionising the textile industry in the 19th Century. Rather than recreate versions of historic banners, our illuminated fabric hangings will look to the future, literally highlighting the aspirations and ideas of young people from diverse backgrounds supported by grassroot organisations. Each group worked with a series of shared collective prompts as inspiration to creatively respond, reimagining our rebel city in 10-, 20-, and 50-years’ time

The banners represent a visual discussion, with young people including members of 1525 Collective and young people with SEN and their carers. Workshops used object handling approaches to foster conversation about the future of the city. This led to printmaking activities and creating silhouettes of objects as a way of discussing spaces; public spaces and how they are utilised, especially in the context of the city’s depleting youth services, children’s centres and cuts to staffed adventure playgrounds