Award 31: Imagined Territories

This grant was awarded to Andy Welland for a large-scale public artwork installed on billboard and poster sites across Sheffield.

Imagined Territories is a large-scale public artwork. It presents a new, abstract “flag” with no text or allegiance, questioning identity, pride and belonging. It uses the language of a flag to invite public reflection in a moment of intense national symbolism. To challenge the way flags are currently used to divide, command allegiance or define Britishness. This work asks: Can we be proud of where we’re from without inheriting everything done in its name? It invites people who feel politically unrepresented to see a different kind of flag, one that holds ambiguity and complexity.

Andy says - "This is for anyone and everyone who feels caught between pride and discomfort in their national or adopted identity — especially working-class and mixed heritage communities who don’t see themselves in official symbols. By using a public billboard rather than a gallery, it reaches everyday commuters, passersby and residents in their own city, without mediation or invitation."

Photography by Danni Maibaum

The prints are available for purchase at £150 each on Andy's website. 10% of each sale will go back to Artcry. https://www.andywelland.com/imaginedterritories

“Artcry supported Imagined Territories at a moment when speed, visibility and cultural relevance were essential. I applied because the fund uniquely understands how artists can intervene in public space to question social and political issues. The support allowed me to activate more than 20 sites across Sheffield and Barnsley, reaching audiences far beyond traditional art spaces. Artcry’s trust, flexibility and belief in artist-led public work made this project possible, and its impact on my practice has been significant.”

— Andy Welland

This project is still growing so follow Andy to keep in touch with the project.