This February, Metal Peterborough, artist Joel Rodriguez, and young people from across the city unveil three beautiful pieces of public art on display indefinitely at Queensgate Shopping Centre. Launching on Valentine’s Day, these new works are love letters to the people, places, and events that make Peterborough unique, and will uncover and celebrate the city’s hidden stories.
Part of Positive Notes, led by arts organisation Metal Peterborough and supported by Historic England and Peterborough Positive, the series of three, vibrant photo tile artworks were inspired by stories and conversations shared in photography and collage workshops led by Joel Rodriguez for young people aged 13-25. Participants include young people from Culture Community’s Saturday School and Families First Youth Group Crofts in Bretton. Together the works form an art trail that shines a light on Peterborough’s creativity and celebrates stories of community empowerment, carnival revival, and youth voice.
“We’re incredibly proud to showcase artworks created by Peterborough’s young people and Peterborough-based artist Joel Rodriguez. They offer a glimpse into the spirit of our city, its history of creativity, its community, and the collaboration that often goes unnoticed. We don’t always shout loudly enough about our heritage and the brilliant things happening here, and
we’re honoured to play even a small part in celebrating the people and place, and sharing some big love for this city.” Ruth Campbell, Director, Metal Peterborough.
Finn White, Participation Programmes Manager, Historic England, said: “Young people in Peterborough have come together to tell the story of their city, uncovering its hidden histories and creating striking artworks for all to experience and enjoy. We’re proud to support this ‘History in the Making’ project, giving young people the opportunity to be at the
heart of heritage and to share local history in their own way, encouraging local pride in Peterborough.”
The artworks each explore a different story, history and side to the city. ‘Echoes of the Mas’ celebrates Peterborough’s reborn carnival spirit, ‘Built From Flame’ shows a journey from displacement to belonging which embodies the unseen fires that keep communities alive. ‘Through Our Eyes’, is created by young people and invites us to reflect on how place shapes our identity, and how beauty emerges when we dare to look closer. The artworks will remain on display indefinitely and can be found located around Queensgate Shopping Centre.
“I came to this project wanting the work to be useful, not just beautiful. The workshops with young people shaped everything—what we shot, where we stood, what language we used. The final pieces aren’t just images; they’re small anchors for belonging, fixed into the places people actually move through. If one person recognises themselves, or learns something new about a neighbour, Positive Notes has done its job.” – Joel Rodrigues (artist)
“Being part of the Positive Notes project meant a lot to me and Culture Community. It was about capturing the voices and stories of the next generation and celebrating who we are. I was especially proud to model alongside my daughter, building on the carnival we organised last year and the photo shoot that came from it. Joel was incredibly attentive and patient throughout the process he made us feel comfortable and really brought out the energy within us. The team in Metal were very welcoming and professional and work extremely hard in this project. I hope people who see the artworks feel inspired, represented, and reminded of the strength, creativity, and connection within our community.” – Precious Graham, Culture Community
The community is invited to discover these new stories and see Peterborough in a proud light.
Positive Notes has been made possible by Historic England’s History in The Making grant, working with young people (aged 13 to 25) and funding 21 youth-led projects that create place markers across England.
