Goldthorpe’s artistic evolution has taken a significant step forward with the selection of artists to develop a new installation at the Horse and Groom Square in the heart of the town.
Craig Evans and Tom Jackson, who work together as STATIC, have been chosen to take the Horse and Groom art project forward.
They will hold engagement sessions over the coming months to help shape the design for the artwork, which will be installed later in the year.
This initiative is part of the Dearne's vibrant regeneration under the Goldthorpe Town Deal, which aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the area while building a bright future.
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are thrilled to announce the artists chosen to bring their creativity to Goldthorpe’s Horse and Groom Square.
“The square is already an important focal point for the town and this new artwork will add to its appeal, aiming not only to celebrate the Dearne’s history but also inspire pride within our community.
“I encourage everyone to join the engagement sessions and be part of this transformative journey.”
This project is a partnership between our Capital Projects Team and Beam, a cultural organisation working across the north of England.
We chose STATIC based on their creative vision, ability to engage with the local community, and portfolio of previous work related to public and community art.
The artists said: “We are really looking forward to meeting the residents of Goldthorpe and the local area to hear their stories about the Horse and Groom and growing up in the Dearne Valley.
“This is an exciting opportunity to create a unique piece of public art for Horse and Groom Square.
“We will work with Beam and the project partners to deliver a vibrant artwork that enhances the space and helps make it a place that people are drawn to and enjoy spending time in.”
Details of engagement sessions for interested community members will be announced soon. These sessions are a perfect opportunity for the community to meet and work with the artists and contribute to their creative process.
The Horse and Groom art project is part of the Goldthorpe Town Deal, which aims to rejuvenate Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe, and Bolton upon Dearne with investment of £23.1 million from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Goldthorpe’s Towns Fund programme has already achieved significant milestones, including the opening of Horse and Groom Square in October 2023 and the restoration of the Dearne Playhouse, which reopened as a modern cultural hub in October 2024.
We are working with Beam on the commission of another art project led by sculptor Dan Jones.
This will lead to the installation of a showpiece artwork at the new roundabout constructed to the west of Goldthorpe to open up new employment land.
The Towns Fund is also supporting the development by artist Jayde Marie Bell of a new mural at the underpass linking Goldthorpe and Phoenix Park at Thurnscoe.
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Board, said: “Art and culture are at the heart of Goldthorpe’s regeneration.
“They have the power to inspire people and breathe renewed civic pride into our community.
“I look forward to seeing how STATIC will honour the proud past of the Dearne while contributing to our dynamic future.”
For more information on the project and other Towns Fund initiatives, visit our Towns Fund webpage at barnsley.gov.uk/Goldthorpe.
About the artists
Founded in 2006 in Scarborough, STATIC have worked with a number of international galleries and painted murals in the UK and as far away as Japan.
They are founding members of Wood Street Walls, a London-based creative consultancy, and in 2017 renovated a disused school building to create a shared workspace, Wood Street Studios.
STATIC have built a reputation based on bold and striking designs and a keen eye for detail, creating unique artworks that reflect on culture, personal stories and collective experiences.
Captions
Photo 1: Artists Tom Jackson (blue coat) and Craig Evans (light grey coat) at Horse and Groom Square in Goldthorpe.
Photo 2: Artists Craig Evans and Tom Jackson at Horse and Groom Square in Goldthorpe.
Photo: Artists Tom Jackson and Craig Evans with Dearne North councillors Sue Bellamy and Martin Morrell in Horse and Groom Square.
Note to editors: High-resolution versions of these images are available on request.
