Meet our ambassadors

Amaan Ali Saqlain

Amaan Ali Saqlain is a Senior Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Rotherham.

What's your favourite thing about Rotherham?

Its people! A hard-working and loving community who keep this town alive; they are a credit to our borough.

What does Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture mean to you?

It is a moment of pride for me to see our borough celebrating children and young people, especially as this has been the basis of my career in politics. I pledge to support Children's Capital of Culture in all that I do in office, and also support my constituents in celebrating our borough.

Azraa Motola

Azraa Motola is a visual artist from Lancashire. Her practice explores themes of identity, belonging, culture and heritage through large scale oil painting. She has exhibited work nationally, including at the British Textile Biennial, the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Britain.

Why have you chosen to become an ambassador for this campaign?

I believe it's really important to encourage creativity in children and young people. Being an ambassador for the children's capital of culture will allow me to work with and support the next generation of artists.

What does Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture mean to you?

I'm excited to be a part of it and I can't wait to see what children and young people in Rotherham imagine and create in their home borough.

How will you be helping to make it happen?

I'd like to support and inspire children through art, exhibitions and workshops, enabling creativity and imagination to flow.

Dana Abdulkarim

Dana Abdulkarim was the first Muslim woman to represent England at any sport. She played rounders for England on 67 occasions, coached a successful side for seven years, and now consults on and designed their talent pathway programme. Dana is an assistant principal in South Yorkshire and an ambassador for Sporting Heritage. She is proud of her Rotherham roots, and is originally from Rawmarsh.

Why have you chosen to become an ambassador for this campaign?

Because I believe in Rotherham. I'm from Rotherham, and I believe that young people are going to be the driving force in bringing the town to where it needs to be.

What's your favourite thing about Rotherham?

Clifton Park! I go there with my nieces and nephews, I went there as a child, and it's full of family memories - all the picnics, all the play. It's a fantastic green space, and I don't think Rotherham shouts enough about it.

What does Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture mean to you?

This is a town that has struggled with its identity, and so young people taking it forward and being trusted with caring for it is a real statement of what the town is trying to do for its community.

How will you be helping to make it happen?

My pledge as an ambassador is to be visible, present and accessible. So I plan on having life story share opportunities, workshops, and then possibly putting on some sporting activities, given that's what I'm an ambassador for.

Jo Peel

Jo Peel is an artist based in Sheffield. The central theme in her work is Urban Regeneration. Over the last 15 years, she has made work exploring gentrification and the interplay between the man-made and natural world. Capturing moments within cities, she observes the human footprint and records how it is now.

Why have you chosen to become an ambassador for this campaign?

Rotherham is at a point of change and it is this change that inspires my work. I am ambitious for the future representation of Rotherham and the North and I believe that young people should be given opportunities to believe in themselves and nurture their abilities.

What's your favourite thing about Rotherham?

It sounds cliche, but the best thing about Rotherham is the people: there are just so many amazing creatives living and working in the area. Also, Grimm & Co is an amazing space that not only inspires young people but lifts them up through mentoring and opportunities.

What does Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture mean to you?

It is important to give the young people of Rotherham a chance to rise up and change the narrative of the town. There is so much potential in Rotherham and I am excited to see how the initiative develops, allowing the amazing ideas of young people to come to life. Rotherham being the Children's Capital of Culture is a really exciting way to create futures for a whole new generation.

How will you be helping to make it happen?

I am committed to championing Rotherham and its young people. I am looking forward to being a spokesperson for the Children's Capital of Culture, working directly with the young creatives and providing mentoring support, as well as creating exciting new artwork made especially for Rotherham.

Sile Sibanda

Sile Sibanda is a spoken word artist and presenter.

Why have you chosen to become an ambassador for this campaign?

Because I am from Rotherham and it's an honour to champion anything that elevates and supports the growth and creativity of young people in the borough, showing them that even if you are from a small town you can still achieve your dreams and do something for your community.

What's your favourite thing about Rotherham?

My favourite thing about Rotherham is the people that live in this town. They are friendly and I owe a lot of my achievements to everyone who gave me opportunities.

What does Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture mean to you?

Rotherham becoming Children's Capital of Culture means that more young people who live here get a chance to experience being creative, and to discover arts and culture that opens their eyes to new career opportunities.

How will you be helping to make it happen?

I will champion all the activities that are part of Children's Capital of Culture. I will share all the knowledge I have and give support to young people, just like my mentors and community gave me.