We recently wrapped up our Unfolding Origins Project. The project began in 2019, just before COVID-19 began to ramp up. As you can imagine, the timeline of the project quickly needed alterations.

The project supported the creation of new artworks inspired by North Yorkshire’s archival collections and aimed to develop ways for the public to engage with this resource. The lockdowns and inability of artists to access the archives over the course of the project’s first year made things difficult. At the same time, it allowed the artists to spend more time developing their ideas.

We’re very proud of the work done by the artists and those involved in the project over the course of these years. Working and creating at such a difficult time is no small feat.

'Delivering this rich and varied project alongside Chrysalis Arts has been extremely rewarding. Working closely with the artists has revealed the creative value in North Yorkshire’s archives, attracted new audiences and generated a deeper understanding of the county’s unique archival heritage. The project leaves us with a lasting legacy in the outstanding artwork created, the new connections made and the previously hidden voices added to the archive.'

– Rachel Greenwood, Conservation and Digitisation Manager, North Yorkshire County Record Office 

‘Unfolding Origins worked with a variety of communities, creatively connecting them with their local heritage. Working with artists enabled a reinterpretation of that heritage and for it to be presented in new ways and to a diversified audience.’

– Emily Wilson, Project Manager at Chrysalis Arts Development

A huge thank you to our Artists in Residence Carolyn Thompson in Ryedale, Nick Jordan and Jacob Cartwright in Richmondshire, Lynn Setterington in Selby.

And to the additional artists, creatives and historians involved in the project including Virginia Arrowsmith, Hayley Mills-Styles, Alun Kirby, Hawes Youth Group

A special thanks to our partners and funders North Yorkshire County Record Office, Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and ArtUK, Selby District Council, Ryedale District Council, Richmondshire District Council.

Learn more about the project, hear audio interviews, and watch film clips on the Unfolding Origins project page.

Read the full project report.