It’s not just about cycling there is a creative side to the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire
Huge eye catching art work is planned along the route of this year’s cycling spectacular which is expected to be watched millions here and abroad. Welcome to Yorkshire has launched its annual land art competition as part of the Tour de Yorkshire which runs from April 28th-30th. Last year’s competition attracted some of the most innovative and ambitious work so far and businesses, landowners, farmers, schools and community groups are all being encouraged to get creative again.
Whether it’s a church spire draped in a blue jersey, a field with a mammoth bicycle, or a market square spelling out messages of support, all works are welcomed and stand a great chance of being beamed to over 11 million people in 178 countries when the race’s live television helicopters sweep across the county.
A giant piece of art featuring a horse, ram and wild boar riding a penny farthing on Sutton Bank - commissioned by the North York Moors National Park Authority and Hambleton District Council - was crowned the winner last year after an international public vote, and the coveted trophy is now waiting to be won again.
Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: ‘Yorkshire’s land art has attracted a lot of attention in the past, with people creating everything from multi-coloured sheep and spotty houses, to huge murals and striking street art. These fantastic pieces really bring the race to life and give you the chance to celebrate your community. We want you to shout to the world about what Yorkshire has to offer.’
Meanwhile one of Yorkshire’s rising stars of the art world has been chosen as the official artist for the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire. Richmond-based pastel artist Lucy Pittaway is the UK Fine Art Trade Guild’s current ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’, and this is the second consecutive year she has been chosen by Welcome to Yorkshire to create a piece of art designed to capture the imagination of the people of Yorkshire, and the spirit of the race.
Top tips for creating eye-catching land art
1. Position it as close to the race route as possible.
2. Make it as large and as striking as possible so the television helicopters can see it.
3. Land art doesn’t need to be bicycle or tour related; it’s about celebrating communities and getting people talking.
4. Think about what’s connected to a community – a famous face, an event – what makes it special?
5. Land art shouldn’t be commercial (a company logo for example) but you may wish to celebrate a specific industry – for example, big pints of beer for breweries? A mouse and cheese for cheesemongers/creameries?
6. Get permission to work on the land you intend to use. Please check with local landowners and ensure the local community is happy with plans.
For more information competition visit letouryorkshire.com/landart
Follow the tour on twitter at @letouryorkshire
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here