Gratitude, a touring art installation by global public art producers Wild in Art, is a collection of 51 individually painted human form sculptures, all designed by individual artists from across the UK, and curated in partnership with creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.
The sculptures represent front line workers such as NHS staff and other key workers standing together, but socially distanced, and people are invited to come together to reflect and show their appreciation as the art installation tours four UK cities, where they will be able to make a donation:
- Chamberlain Square, Paradise, Birmingham from 20th – 30th August
- St Peter’s Square, Manchester from 3rd – 12th September
- Location to be announced - Edinburgh from 17th – 26th September
- Location to be announced - London from 1st – 10th October
Following the tour, the sculptures will be auctioned with substantial proceeds donated to NHS Charities Together (Registered Charity Number 1186569), which supports the NHS, including its hospitals, ambulance services, community and mental healthcare providers and vital partnerships.
DWF, which has offices in all four locations, has chosen to work with artists Dan and Charlotte of Art + Believe who have designed the 'Blanket of Unity' sculpture, sponsored by DWF, which incorporates some of DWF's own vibrant brand colours into the piece.
A blanket is nurturing and protective, much like the commitment, efforts and talent shown by key workers across the UK. In gratitude to them, a vibrant, colourful, geometric blanket wraps around the sculpture to represent their commitment and unity to all.
Allison Page, regional managing partner for the UK and Ireland at DWF, said: "The Gratitude sculptures are a fitting way to highlight and celebrate the contributions of many people on the front line during this unprecedented time including our NHS workers.
"Many key workers have worked through stressful and sometimes life-threatening circumstances and some have even lost their own lives. So many people have put others first to ensure we get through this difficult time and this is why we are proud to support Gratitude. Collectively, we can say thank you to all key workers and volunteers while raising money for the NHS Charities Together."
Those wishing to visit the Gratitude installation can book free tickets now to visit Gratitude at Chamberlain Square, Paradise Birmingham from 20th August 2021 before it moves on to visit Manchester, Edinburgh and London. Visit https://thisisgratitude.co.uk/tickets/ for more information.
