Sheffield football art project heads to town
Sheffield football leaders backed a new project that ‘strikes a note of unity in divisive times’ at its exciting launch.
Jon McClure, the new chairman of Sheffield FC, was among supporters at the start of Around The World by Stand & Be Counted Theatre.
This digital art-meets-football initiative inside a yellow school bus kicked off at the U-MIX Centre in Lowfield with a Solidarity Cup tournament of games and creative activities.
It is now touring Sheffield communities before a final stop at the Peace Gardens incorporating a world record attempt, projection of art onto Sheffield Town Hall and day of free events on Wednesday, June 17.
Reverend and The Makers frontman Jon, who took over as Sheffield FC chairman in March, said: “I really think it’s impactful, bringing people together, shining a light on the different communities that live here in Sheffield. This is a wonderful endeavour.
“There’s something to be said about unity. I was struck by the Somalian referee (Omar Artan) not being allowed into America for the FIFA World Cup.
“Anything that strikes a note of unity in divisive times ought to be celebrated.”
Thursday’s event was also supported by Sheffield Home of Football and Football Unites Racism Divides.
Attendees heard about arts charity Stand & Be Counted’s upcoming world record attempt to create the longest chain of multi-club football scarves. Next Wednesday, a symbolic parade will transport the chain from The Sanctuary on Chapel Walk to the Peace Gardens.
More than 80 scarves have already been donated to the cause, representing teams around the globe.
There is a full public programme of events running at the Peace Gardens from 12 pm on Wednesday, the day that England takes on Croatia in the FIFA World Cup.
It includes talks, podcasts, a quiz, a wellbeing warm-up, and football sticker, badge-making and shirt activities. Many events take place on the yellow school bus, which also has exciting augmented reality features to discover.
Scarves for the world record attempt can be donated at The U-Mix Centre, Lowfield and The Sanctuary, Chapel Walk. Find out more at https://www.sbctheatre.co.uk/