Positive Notes is all about uncovering the hidden gems of Peterborough’s history. By working with young people aged 13 – 25, artist Joel Rodriguez discovered, celebrated, and shared some the stories that have been overlooked—stories of amazing people, places, and events that give Peterborough its unique vibe. Offering a glimpse into the spirit of our city, its history of creativity, its community, and the collaboration that often goes unnoticed.
Positive Notes, a series of three tiled artworks are inspired by stories and conversations shared in workshops led by artist Joel Rodriguez, a queer Venezuelan-British photographer and director whose work blends bold portraiture, fashion, and storytelling to explore identity, culture, and resistance.
Working with Joel, groups of young people aged 13-25 from Culture Community’s Saturday School and Families First Youth Group Crofts Corner in Bretton, led the creative direction of the project through conversations exploring what mattered to them, shared in photography and collage workshops, photoshoots and behind the scenes conversations.
Echoes of the Mas
A celebration of Peterborough’s reborn carnival spirit, where rhythm becomes language and colour becomes voice. This piece honours the return of Peterborough Carnival, a celebration of African and Caribbean culture, carrying heritage, pride, and unity back to the city’s streets.
“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…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
Built From Flame
A portrait of Farsh Raoufi MBE whose journey from displacement to belonging embodies the quiet strength of resilience. It reflects on rebuilding, belonging, and the unseen fires that keep communities alive.
“Positive Notes gave me the chance to reflect on how far I’ve come—from fear and displacement to finding belonging in Peterborough, my home. I hope the project inspires others to believe that hope grows strongest when a community chooses compassion and kindness.” – Farsh Raoufi, Peterborough Fire Service
Through Our Eyes
Created with young people from Families First youth group in Bretton, this piece blurs the boundary between self and surroundings. It invites us to reflect on how place shapes identity and how beauty emerges when we dare to look closer.
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 Rodriguez, Lead artist
The artworks will remain on display indefinitely and can be found located around Queensgate Shopping Centre, Long Causeway, Peterborough, PE1 1NT
If you would like to find out more about the project, the Positive Notes website is an extended learning resource for schools with images, behind-the-scenes material created by young people, and further context about the artworks: https://positivenotes.webflow.io/
You can also access our school’s resource about the project here.
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. The project has also been supported by Peterborough Positive, the city ‘s Business Improvement District (BID) campaign.
About Historic England
Historic England works together with people and organisations across England, to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment. Providing advice, knowledge, support and services, so the history that surrounds us all, lives on and is loved for longer.
History in the Making enables underrepresented young people (aged 13-25) to discover, engage, and connect with their local stories and ensure the history that matters to them is not forgotten. Using different art forms, from artworks and murals to immersive walking trails and theatre productions, young people decide who and what to celebrate and how best to do it.
You can find out more about Historic England and the History in the Making fund here
