FAQs

Gratitude opened in Birmingham on 20 August 2021 before touring the UK including Manchester, Edinburgh and London.

Global public art producers Wild in Art, whose previous work includes the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Mascot Trail, the award-winning Bee in the City in Manchester and The Big Hoot and The Big Sleuth in Birmingham produced the installation.

Businesses and private individuals were invited to sponsor a blank sculpture ‘the canvas’.

Artists who are well-known, emerging and as yet undiscovered submitted unique designs to be considered for the installation. These design ideas were be presented to sponsors in March 2021 and each sponsor selected a design to be replicated on their sculpture. The successful artists were paid an honorarium to customise each sculpture.

Residents and visitors explored Gratitude with a printed guide and/or the app, which helped them find out more about the sculptures and unlock exciting rewards provided by Gratitude sponsors.

Staging large-scale events requires a lot of upfront investment and businesses and private individuals have supported the project through sponsorship packages. The support from businesses taking up sponsorship packages is critical.

The money from the purchase of these sponsorship packages goes towards covering the cost of manufacturing the sculpture, paying the artists who decorate the sculptures, and the entire event infrastructure, operations and logistics for putting the sculptures in the display locations, and all Gratitude associated events.

Businesses and private individuals were invited to support the creation of this very special and significant event for the UK, through sponsorship of a sculpture, which ultimately raised funds for NHS Charities Together, whilst also creating unique business development, marketing, employee and stakeholder engagement opportunities.

In becoming part of this unique event, sponsors directly supported the arts and creative industries through national and regional artist commissions, a sector hugely impacted by the pandemic.

Artist design submissions were presented to sponsors in March 2021 and each sponsor selected a design for their sculpture. The successful artists have been commissioned and paid an honorarium to customise each sculpture.

Commissioned artists were paid an honorarium of  £900 plus VAT.

Through its high-profile events Wild in Art provides a platform for professional and amateur artists to showcase their work.

The events transform spaces into fun family-friendly galleries, helping people experience art out of traditional settings. Thousands of people will encounter an artist’s work through the displays and learn more about the artist through the event’s marketing channels.

It’s also a great way for artists to help an event’s charity beneficiary through the auction.

The events are positive and fun to be involved with – helping artists to expand their networks and make connections with fellow artists, as well as businesses and community groups.

Yes, each sculpture featured its own unique design. There were an amazing array of designs showcasing a range of styles celebrating NHS staff and all key workers.

No there wasn’t a learning programme.

Yes, there was an app which was available from the App Store and on Google Play.

Unlike many public events, Wild in Art events take place outdoors and can still be enjoyed within social distancing regulations. Wild in Art worked closely with location stakeholders to ensure that the display locations allowed for safe social distancing while allowing visitors to explore the installation.

We ask that everyone visiting Wild in Art events adheres to any current social distancing requirements, follows face covering and hand washing recommendations and is respectful to other visitors to ensure that everyone can enjoy our events safely.

The charity partner was NHS Charities Together (registered charity number 1186569).

No, Gratitude is not a memorial event but it did provide a time for quiet reflection.

The blank Gratitude sculptures are not available to buy currently.

Wild in Art has a full programme of art trails taking place across the UK. Find out more at wildinart.co.uk/events