Businesses can sponsor a sculpture and show Gratitude
A financial company is sponsoring an artistic tribute to NHS staff and other key workers which will appear on the city's streets this summer.
Gratitude is a public art installation developed by leading global public art producer Wild in Art.
It will launch in Birmingham in August before a free to visit tour going to Manchester, Edinburgh and London.
Gratitude features 49 uniquely painted human form sculptures, all designed by individual artists and sponsored by different businesses who want to pay tribute to the workers who have been on the front line managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wesleyan is the Birmingham location sponsor. Founded in 1841, Wesleyan is one of Birmingham’s oldest companies specialising in financial solutions for hospital doctors, GPs, dentists and teachers.
The partnership with Gratitude is an opportunity for Wesleyan, during its 180th anniversary year, to say thank you to their loyal customers, who have worked so hard during the pandemic.
Nathan Wallis, chief of staff at Wesleyan said: “We’re really excited to be a part of this fantastic initiative, which is going to celebrate our key workers in such a creative way. By bringing art to the streets of our home city of Birmingham, this installation will enable thousands of people to enjoy fantastic tributes to the NHS.”
Wesleyan has previously partnered with Wild in Art on three events in Birmingham including The Big Hoot (2015), which saw over 200 uniquely designed owls and owlets roosting in the city, The Big Sleuth (2017), a colourful invasion of 237 bear sculptures and also The Big Read’ in 2016, an education event which enabled 130 schools and community groups decorate book benches with designs inspired by their favourite books, poems and comics, celebrating creativity and the written word.
Businesses and private individuals are invited to support the creation of this very special and significant event for the UK, through sponsorship of a sculpture, which will ultimately raise funds for NHS Charities Together.
After the tour, the sculptures will be auctioned off in the autumn.
Businesses interested in sponsoring a sculpture should contact Julie Gaskell, head of partnerships at Wild in Art on 07768 038912 or by e-mail to julie@wildinart.co.uk
Locations interested in hosting Gratitude should contact gratitude@wildinart.co.uk
The sculptures were revealed for the first time at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which showcased the first artist commissions from Birmingham artists.
