Ribbons launched to champion women of Leeds

As you know we love Street Art, so when we found out about this project we couldn’t wait to hear more.

In a vibrant tribute to the indomitable spirit of Leeds’ women, a new sculpture named Ribbons is set to grace the city’s cultural quarter from July 2024. Crafted by artist Pippa Hale, this monumental artwork is a celebration of nearly 400 inspirational women, as nominated by the public.

Initiated by local MP Rachel Reeves and led by Leeds Arts University in collaboration with Leeds City Council and Leeds City College, Ribbons aims to recognize the contributions of women, both past and present, who have left an indelible mark on the city. From social reformers like Isabella Ford to modern-day heroes like Tina Suryavansi of Homeless Hampers, the sculpture pays homage to diverse voices and achievements that have shaped Leeds.

Ribbons, composed of five corten steel ribbons, intertwines the names of nominated women, symbolizing their interconnectedness across time and space. Hale, the artist behind the masterpiece, expressed her deep honor in representing Leeds’ women, acknowledging their diverse journeys and profound impact on the community.

The project, identified as a response to the lack of diversity in public sculptures highlighted by a Leeds City Council review, underscores the city’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. Following in the footsteps of previous cultural endeavors like Yinka Shonibare’s Hibiscus Rising, Ribbons stands as a testament to progress and recognition.

Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, lauded the project as an opportunity to celebrate the city’s inspiring women and their myriad accomplishments. Councillor Debra Coupar echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of Ribbons as a lasting monument to the legacies of Leeds’ women.

Among the honorees is Natasha Sayce-Zelem, who you can read an old interview with her here, whose inclusion reflects the city’s vibrant tech community and its commitment to inclusivity and progress. Supported by various entities including LeedsBID and the Henry Moore Foundation, Ribbons embodies the collective effort to celebrate diversity and empower future generations.

As Ribbons unfurls in the heart of Leeds, it serves not only as a visual spectacle but also as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring legacy of women who have helped shape the city’s rich tapestry of culture and progress. We can’t wait to see more of it.