Sanctuary of the Hopeful Sun

Over a century ago, Joseph Rowntree was a radical changemaker who responded to the pressing challenges of his time, not just with ideas, but with action. He built bold, practical prototypes of a better future - solutions that went on to create lasting impact in York, across the UK, and beyond. Today, that spirit lives on in a new generation of changemakers, visionary individuals and projects who, like Rowntree, are creating working examples of how life can be fairer, more sustainable, and regenerative. They aren’t waiting for change; they’re building it here and now.

This part of our Here is Hope festival programme celebrates and showcases these changemakers. It’s a space to shine a light on the people, projects and schemes that are reimagining how we live and work, offering not just inspiration, but tangible models for a better future.

Join organisations in the Sanctuary of the Hopeful Sun, YorSpace, Threads in the Ground, Civic Square and York Central Co-owned (YoCo). Discover how we can all play a part in building the future today.