Celebrating Partnerships and Culture: An afternoon at Yorkshire Sculpture Park with We Are Wakefield

What an afternoon it was at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park! Our Partner and Supporter members gathered under the open sky, surrounded by art, nature, and the promise of camaraderie. As the sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, we shared stories, sipped tea, and celebrated the heartbeats of our community.

Gratitude Over Afternoon Tea

“Thank you”—two simple words that carry immense weight. We Are Wakefield took this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who make our mission possible. Our Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL, and Board Director Peter Molyneux, expressed their heartfelt thanks to WAW Partners and Supporters.

  • Claire’s voice resonated across the sculpture-dotted landscape. “Thank you for your support, commitment and enthusiasm for We Are Wakefield and what we stand for.”
  • Peter agreed, “Your support enables Claire and the team to continue building this amazing community.”

A Brief History, Shared

But the day wasn’t just about tea, scones and pleasantries. We leaned in as Joe Penney, Associate Director of YSP, stepped forward. With the rolling hills as his canvas, he painted a vivid picture of the site: YSP, once a coal mining area, transformed into a sanctuary for creativity. The sculptures—like silent sentinels—now graced the land. Henry Moore’s sinuous forms, Barbara Hepworth’s elegant curves—they stand as testament to Wakefield’s artistic legacy.

Art and Landscape Tour

For those hungry for more, we embarked on an Art and Landscape tour. Led by a knowledgable YSP guide, we wandered through meadows, past ancient trees, and alongside reflective lakes. Our footsteps echoed the footsteps of giants—artists who had left their mark here. We paused before Moore’s monumental bronze, feeling its weight and grace. Hepworth’s sculptures seemed to whisper secrets of form and balance. And Bharti Kher’s work—bold, colourful and enigmatic.

Celebrating Partnerships

As the event drew to a close, we celebrated not just our collaborations but also the very essence of Wakefield.

So here’s to you, We Are Wakefield Partners and Supporters. Here’s to the tea shared, the art explored, and the bonds forged. Let’s continue weaving our tapestry—one sculpture, one conversation, one partnership at a time.

WE ARE WAKEFIELD PARTNERS:

Tileyard North

Rhubarb Radio

Theatre Royal Wakefield

TAB – The Alternative Board Wakefield District

Featherstone Rovers & Featherstone Rovers Foundation

Castleford Tigers

Wakefield Trinity & Wakefield Trinity Foundation

WE ARE WAKEFIELD SUPPORTER MEMBERS:

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

JS Recruitment

McManus Consulting

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation

Certus Construction

Team IT Solutions

The Yorkshire Broker

Clear Workplace

Onside Travel Management

Purple Pebble People

Mint HR

SPC Cars