The Cultures of Climate Arts Trail

Journey across The Cultures of Climate Art trail, to Dewsbury and Huddersfield – to find Recycling En Masse – its heritage, activism, and future.

‘Recycling En Masse’ is a collection of printed reproductions of paintings and photographs depicting citizens of Dewsbury, with views of Textile Mills.

These images are part of the site-specific ‘Cultures of Climate Art Trail’, between Huddersfield and Dewsbury, exploring the role of art as an asset for social and environmental sustainability.

Visitors are invited to consider the current climate crisis, against the backdrop of the 19c and 20c production of Shoddy and Mungo – the earliest and largest example of recycled textile fabric. Instead of celebrating the industrial ingenuity, or scale of recycling, the artworks from the Kirklees Collections help shine a light on the social contexts of the industry.

The textile installation ‘Soar Away’ (2022) by New Zealand-based artist Deborah Rundle tells the story the activism of Ann Ellis, and the Hillstone Fibre Arts exhibition using yarn from Huddersfield company Iinouiio Recycled Textiles are also part of the trail.

An online discussion between Dr Janine Sykes and artist Deborah Rundle is to take place during the Arts Trail /WOVEN Festival – stay tuned for more information.

THE TRAIL LOCATIONS:

-Recycle En Masse Toast House Café, University of Huddersfield Queen St South Annexe, Huddersfield HD1 3DR 10am-3pm Mon-Thurs, 10am-2:30pm Fri.

-Soar Away Deborah Rundle, Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Rd, Dewsbury WF12 8DG, 9am–5pm Mon-Fri

–Hillstone Fibre Arts Exhibition the Arcade Pop-Up, 25 Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury WF13 1NH 10am-2pm Wed–Fri