Arts centre and creative community DINA has found a new home in Fitzalan Square in 2021. To mark the move, they've commissioned artist Sally Wilson to create a string of colourful banners across the square, each bearing messages of optimism and inspiration.
The 36 banners share words provided by much-loved Sheffielders from the worlds of music, visual arts and theatre, alongside youngsters from Ellesmere Children's Centre. Each contributor is from Sheffield or has strong connections to the city – from presenter Michael Palin, Crucible director Rob Hastie and musician Richard Hawley, to Radio 1 DJs Toddla T and Annie Mac and their sons Oisin and Riley, Heaven 17’s Martyn Ware, DJ Winston Hazel, and electro-pop icon Roisin Murphy.
Quotes for Hope is all about using art to make connections and share a little hope. As the artist behind the banners Sally Wilson puts it: "we felt it was important to connect and reach out to people during these times and use art like a medicine. The idea was to make connections, and create visible bonds with others by offering positive messages revealing our best washed thoughts strung on a clothes line to air.”
In the words of DINA director Deborah Egan, Quotes for Hope is "a love letter to the city" – one that is "free and for everybody. It is a funny, uplifting experience that you can take in it just by looking out of the bus window or walking across the square.”
Look out for the Quotes for Hope banners as you walk through Fitzalan Square until 23 April.
