Funkytown is a new light installation created in partnership with artist Helen Thomas. The artwork was co-created with people from CoActive, Empath Action, Wakefield Studio of Sanctuary, and pupils from Lawefield Lane Primary School.
The designs are inspired by windows and architectural details in the Upper Westgate Heritage Action Zone in Wakefield.
Each panel in the window changes colour, mimicking the popular disco floors of the 70’s and 80’s
The artwork invites you to look up and notice the windows above street level, which include designs with wonderful descriptions such as oculus, Georgian six over six sashes, Yorkshire sashes, and four-centred arch windows.
Funkytown is situated in the window of Nocturno nightclub. This building has been at the heart of the city’s disco and clubbing scene for decades.
Funkytown takes its name from the 1980 disco smash hit by Lipps Inc and references Westgate’s social history of nightclubs and dancing.
This Light Up Wakefield artwork is funded by Historic England and supported by Wakefield Council for the Upper Westgate Heritage Action Zone.
Funkytown ran from 17th November to 14th December
Tony Wade 