Wakefield Wellness Walk

University Group Project

The Wakefield Wellness Walk & Cultural Showcase was conceptualized as a headline event for Wakefield’s Year of Culture 2024, aiming to promote holistic wellness and celebrate the town's cultural heritage. The event included guided wellness walks, cultural exhibitions, and vibrant markets, fostering a sense of community, health, and belonging.

Key inspirations included Wakefield’s cultural landmarks and historical artifacts like the Celtic head. This served as a visual symbol of the event, representing the intersection of wellness promotion and cultural identity. The initiative targeted working-age individuals seeking balance, offering them an enriching experience combining physical activity with cultural exploration.

Role and Responsibilities

Leadership and Coordination

As the group leader, I took on the responsibility of managing the entire execution of the Wakefield Wellness Walk project. My role included organizing regular meetings—both online and in-person—to ensure smooth communication and alignment among team members. I also delegated tasks based on individual expertise, ensuring everyone could contribute effectively to areas like textile design, graphic design, and animation. Through consistent collaboration and guidance, I facilitated the team’s progress and resolved issues to maintain project momentum.

Event Curation

The Wakefield Wellness Walk was conceptualized as a holistic celebration of health, culture, and community. I envisioned the event as a blend of guided wellness walks, cultural pit stops, community markets, and closing celebrations. Each element was designed to encourage physical activity, promote cultural appreciation, and strengthen community ties. My role involved curating activities that aligned with the event's objectives, ensuring an engaging and cohesive experience for participants.

Research and Ideation

Research played a crucial role in shaping the Wakefield Wellness Walk. I conducted in-depth studies of similar events and visited cultural landmarks in Wakefield, such as the Wakefield Museum and The Hepworth Gallery, to understand the community's needs and heritage. During these visits, the discovery of the old Celtic head at the museum sparked the idea to use it as the visual symbol of the event. This artifact symbolized the intersection of wellness promotion and cultural celebration, aligning perfectly with the event’s goals.

Graphic Design and Branding

A significant part of my contribution involved designing the logo and brand identity for the Wakefield Wellness Walk. Inspired by the Celtic head, I created a design that was both iconic and authentic, reflecting the event's spirit and aligning with its cultural and wellness themes. My branding approach maintained the cultural integrity of the artifact, representing the event’s concept without compromising the artifact's originality or character. This branding effort provided a cohesive visual identity that resonated with the event's objectives and audience.

Problem-solving and Team Collaboration

Throughout the project, I encountered challenges such as differing opinions within the team and the complexities of resource allocation. To address these, I fostered open communication and created a collaborative environment where everyone’s input was valued. Regular check-ins and progress reports helped us stay on track and resolve issues promptly. By balancing individual perspectives with project goals, I ensured the team worked cohesively to achieve the desired outcomes.