Uprising is lead by local muralist duo Nomad Clan (Joy Gilleard & Hayley Garner who’s home town is Rochdale!). 

“One of the core motives for running a mural festival in Rochdale is to inspire and engage the young people through direct visible action. One of the many strengths of urban contemporary art is how readily available/ accessible it is, turning the streets into a gallery that only inspires imagination as opposed to the traditional elitist galleries that some people would never access. If someone had told me that I would have a career in muralism that would find me travelling all over the world, sustaining a comfortable living and having some of the richest life experiences I could imagine I never would have believed it... but the power is leading by example, seeing that in action and knowing it exists. Rochdale’s famed pioneering spirit, heritage and people deserve to be celebrated in a vibrant and fitting way and we believe that these murals, workshops and events will encourage the community to feel a renewed pride, sense of ownership, inspiration for change & economic growth via tourism.” Hayley, street artist, Nomad Clan