Welcome to Yorkshire is calling on businesses, landowners, farmers, schools and community groups to get creative and enter a brand new Lining the Route land art competition.
Since the Grand Depart in 2014, land art has come to play a huge role in Yorkshire’s cycling legacy, with images of dramatic creations beamed to TV audiences around the world as the peloton wound its way through the county’s spectacular scenery.
As part of the competition, people are being encouraged to once again attract the cameras by turning fields, hills, market squares and even car parks into unique works of art that celebrate their local community.
The public will then be able to vote for their favourite installation over the race weekend and during the days that follow, with the winner taking home the Lining the Route land art trophy.
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:
“Yorkshire’s land art has attracted a lot of attention in the past, with people creating everything from multi-coloured sheep and spotty houses, to huge murals and striking street art.
“With coverage of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire set to be broadcast to countries around the globe, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your community and shout to the world about what Yorkshire has to offer.”
The launch of the competition coincides with the opening of the newest Yorkshire Bank Bike Library, which is being opened in Moor Allerton today by Leeds City Council’s cycling champion, Councillor Roger Harington, and ex-pro rider Dean Downing.
The library is the latest in a chain of 22 across Yorkshire and will be run by Leeds City Council. It will also operate out of Dewsbury Road, St Georges Centre and Compton Centre Libraries.
Thanks to the Yorkshire Bank funded scheme, more than 8,000 children across Yorkshire have had access to a bike. All bikes are lent for free.
The search for an official artist for the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 has also been launched today, with interested artists asked to contact Welcome to Yorkshire for more details about how to apply.