Jason Wilsher-Mills’ year-long Residency was a dynamic collaboration between the artist, The Art House, and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Community Trust. Supported by Arts Council England, the residency enabled Wilsher-Mills to create ambitious public art commissions while engaging with the local community through workshops and open studio events.
Wilsher-Mills, whose practice is deeply informed by his lived experience of disability, stayed at The Art House throughout the year whislt he developed a large-scale public art project, including a 60-meter mural created with over 3000 self-portraits of children from Wakefield and Barnsley. The mural, made up of 20 individual panels, tells the compelling story of the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats rugby club, blending local heritage with vibrant artistry.
In addition to his artistic output, Wilsher-Mills has hosted school workshops where participants have earned Arts Awards, demonstrating his commitment to fostering creativity and learning among young people. The Art House also supported the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in understanding the needs of artistic programming, strengthening partnerships between the arts and the local community.
Wilsher-Mills has opened his studio to the public during every Artwalk during this residency, sharing his creative process with visitors and even involving his rugby-playing colleagues in hosting these events. His residency exemplifies the transformative power of art to engage, educate, and inspire, while also highlighting the importance of accessibility and community collaboration.
This residency was made possible with the support of The Art House, Arts Council England, and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Community Trust.
