The theme of this year’s Festival is ‘Illuminating the Past, Enlightening the Future.’

It is 1000 years since King Sweyn ‘Forkbeard’ of Denmark was named king of England in 1013. Incoming communities and cultures have played an important role in the development of York as a City. York has deep and strong links to its Viking heritage in particular and the waves of invasions that York has experienced over the years, which has created a vibrant city with a rich and varied culture.

We are interested in artwork that investigates the Scandinavian influences on York’s heritage and on the city today. This could be through art, clothing, food, technology, people and politics or other cultural interventions.

Several of our key attractions are planning exhibitions and events that celebrate this aspect of our history and culture and you may like to consider incorporating some time for research and development in your expression of interest.

If you are interested in submitting then please complete and return an Expression of Interest for a Major Commission or Supporting Commissions form.  Both documents can be downloaded from this page and should be returned to portia.simpson@york.gov.uk or dominic.berry@york.gov.uk by 1 March 2013.

IY 2013 Expression of Interest Template Major Commission

IY 2013 Expression of Interest Template Supporting Commissions