New illuminated artwork set for historic York street
Swarmgate
- A permanent public art installation
- 11th December 2025 onwards
Gemma Wood has been commissioned to create a brand new light artwork for York’s iconic Walmgate. Swarmgate features a hive of resin-cast bees illuminated by solar-powered smart lights attached to the sides of buildings, forming a “glowing swarm” that guides visitors along the street.
Drawing on York’s heritage, it references Anglo-Scandinavian beekeeping finds in nearby Coppergate, and the city’s historic movement of people and places from the times of early settlers. We were delighted to work with York Creatives to develop the brief, shortlist, select and begin the commissioning process.
Gemma Wood said she was inspired by York’s beekeeping heritage and the ancient custom of ‘telling the bees’ – where colonies would be told of significant life events in their beekeeper’s household, to prevent them from swarming or getting sick.
“Swarmgate is about how we come together as a community. It celebrates connection, communication, and the collective buzz of Walmgate.”
I’m so proud to create something that shines a light on this vibrant part of the city and brings people together.”
Gemma Wood, lead artist
Featured
Artist
Featured
Artist
Gemma Wood
Gemma Wood MA created Being Now Here to act as space for collaboration and creating impactful work for festivals and exhibitions. She specialises in immersive environments, sculptures and interactive installation all designed to get you thinking and pondering the bigger questions. What makes us happy? Who supports us? What do we really want? Who am I? An interruption for some self-care! Using the power of Art and all it’s facets for maximum engagement.
With a Masters from Leeds Arts University Gemma has focused her practice in social engagement. Having a multidisciplinary, concept first approach, allows for more collaboration often working alongside craftsmen, engineers and the public to co-create projects. Gemma has extensive experience working within the community delivering creative workshops that enhance and extend the experience for the public.
Background
‘Walmgate Re-Framed’, is designed to improve the Walmgate high street’s experiential offer, improve resilience, encourage footfall, stimulate creativity and encourage the growth of both the street scene and the local cultural, creative and digital community, as a pilot for City-wide approaches to creative place-making.
This will build on a substantial piece of community engagement work conducted by City of York Council to produce the Walmgate Improvement plan, which includes celebrating local heritage, greening south Walmgate, developing a thriving Local Centre that supports local businesses and the trader community through improving built environment and public spaces around them, creating play and social amenities. Recommendations from this report will form a large part of the basis for the areas of focus for Walmgate Re-framed. 37.8% of children and young people in Walmgate come from low income households where there is a high level of deprivation. Our project aims to include them in the creative process, enabling their voices to be heard and inspiring them with creative opportunities.
Credits
Walmgate Reframed is led by the University of York and York Creatives, in collaboration with local residents, community groups, and businesses. The final commission was chosen through an open call and community consultation, with input from local people, through workshops and storytelling sessions.