Art of Protest (AOP) is a team of professional creatives, artists and storytellers that use the power of contemporary and urban art to transform places and empower communities. Founded in 2016, their mission is to bring creativity and pride back to areas that have experienced social or economic decline, giving local people a voice through large-scale public art and youth engagement projects.
We spoke to Tim Bleszynski, Head of Development at the Art of Protest, about how it all started and how art can be a catalyst for social change.
Origins and Motivation
Art of Protest was founded by Jeff Clark, a York-born artist and gallery owner who understood first-hand what it felt like to fall through the cracks of traditional education.
“Jeff was dyslexic and had ADHD,” Tim explains. “He struggled at school, was labelled disruptive and was eventually expelled at 16. Back then, schools didn’t understand how to support neurodiverse young people. So Jeff had to embark on his own pathway in life. With some support, he recognised he was a creative person, which led to a career as a photographer.”
This success took him to the United States where he worked in major galleries in New York and Los Angeles during the rise of street and urban art.
“He could see the incredible energy it created in communities,” says Tim. “It gave people a voice and it brought colour and pride back into neglected places.”
Returning to York, Jeff established the Art of Protest Gallery in Walmgate, a commercial venture that also served as a platform for social impact.
“The gallery buys and sells art, but from the start Jeff wanted it to be more than that. He wanted to use it as a vehicle for change.”
A Unique Model for Social Change
AOP’s approach is built around using street and urban art to connect people with their environment.
“We tend to work with communities that are earmarked for regeneration or that want to start that process. We see ourselves as change agents.”
Their projects often bring together a wide range of partners, from local authorities and business improvement districts to schools and community groups. But much of their work is with young people, especially those who face barriers to education or employment.
“We’re showing that creativity can be a tool for regeneration, not just decoration. It’s about helping communities find their voice and giving young people the chance to write their own story.
“The draw of urban and street art is powerful. It attracts young people’s attention and gives them an alternative to some of the negative distractions around them. Through art, they can express themselves and feel pride in who they are and where they live.”
That philosophy underpins AOP’s Street Art Academy, a hands-on programme that engages young people aged 16–24, many of whom are excluded from school or at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
“The academy offers workshops ranging from one to five days,” Tim explains. “It’s creative, practical and designed to help young people find a positive trajectory. ”
Understanding the Barriers
Tim’s own story connects deeply with AOP’s mission. Before joining the team, he ran a successful creative business and often noticed that “the best creative people were the ones who didn’t fit the mould.”
“I’ve always believed that talent often comes from people with unconventional paths,” he says. “But they face huge barriers getting into the creative industries, especially if they don’t have the background or connections the industry expects.”
For Tim, the work of AOP resonates on a personal level.
“My own son had a tough time in school due to dyslexia and ended up in some trouble. He turned things around, trained as an electrician and now runs a successful music label. It proves that just because someone doesn’t fit into the system, it doesn’t mean they can’t thrive. Our job at AOP is to make sure those young people don’t get left behind.”
Impact and Outcomes
AOP’s projects have transformed communities and individual lives across the UK. In Acomb in York, they worked with residents to create a large-scale mural as part of a local regeneration project.
“It’s had a major impact,” says Tim. “It brought people together, gave them something to be proud of and helped secure nearly £100,000 via the Mayors Vibrant High Street Fund to create a new biannual street art festival for Acomb launching next year.”
Beyond York, they have delivered striking urban art projects in places like Doncaster, where their work turned a railway station redevelopment into a celebration of local identity. One young participant, Natasha Clark, joined AOP’s programme and quickly stood out.
“Within 12 weeks she was working alongside world-renowned artists. Her confidence soared and now she’s a professional mural artist in her own right.”
Closer to home, AOP works with schools like York High, Applefields SEN School and Danesgate Community School, supporting young people with special educational needs and those excluded from mainstream education.
“Teachers often tell us they’ve never seen their students so focused,” says Tim. “Art gives them a way to channel energy, identity and pride.”
Why a Social Enterprise?
AOP’s founders were deliberate in choosing the social enterprise model rather than setting up as a charity.
“We wanted to have the dynamic qualities of a commercial business but exist to deliver social impact. Traditional charities rely heavily on grants and patronage, which can limit flexibility. As a social enterprise, we can act quickly, attract investment and reinvest everything back into our work.”
This hybrid approach allows AOP to operate commercially – through public and commercial art commissions and partnerships - while channeling profits to support growth of community projects and educational initiatives.
“It works because people can see we’re genuine. There’s no cynical agenda - just creative social impact.”
Building York’s Creative Future
Their projects contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, support young people into creative careers and align with the region’s ambitions to grow its creative industries.
“Street art has this incredible ability to make spaces more engaging and welcoming. The work we do has an immediate impact in terms of creating focal points, providing a dynamic experience for both visitors and residents, giving York a cultural edge.”
Looking ahead, they plan to formalise its education model so that they can eventually offer apprenticeships in the creative industries. They’re also partnering with Busy at Work, an Australian social impact organisation, to explore new employability pathways for young people who struggle in traditional education.
“Our vision is to build an alternative education model that relieves pressure on mainstream schools and leads young people into training or employment. We want to prove the model in York - and then scale it across the UK.”
Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
“People who do this kind of work aren’t driven by profit. They’re driven by the difference they want to make - the social impact they’re trying to create.”
He believes that understanding why you matter is the foundation of any successful venture.
“Once you’ve found that sense of purpose, you have to find your own way of making it work. Every business has its own unique dynamics. No-one is sitting there with a blueprint. If you’re not prepared to be innovative and take chances and accept there’s going to be a hard road ahead, don’t do it. But if you accept all of those things, then do it.”