Wesleyan announced as Birmingham location sponsor for Wild in Art’s Public Art Installation ‘Gratitude’

News
17/03/2021


Wesleyan, has been confirmed as the Birmingham location sponsor for the much-anticipated ‘Gratitude’, a spectacular public art installation developed by leading global public art producer Wild in Art, to thank NHS staff and all key workers for their ongoing courage and dedication.

Launching in Birmingham in August 2021, ahead of a free to visit tour in Manchester, Edinburgh and London, ‘Gratitude’ will consist of 49 uniquely painted human form sculptures, all designed by individual artists and sponsored by different businesses who want to pay tribute to the NHS and other key workers who have been on the front line managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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 the opportunity for Wesleyan, during its 180th anniversary year, to say thank you to their loyal customers, who have worked so hard during the pandemic.

The installation will be produced by Wild in Art, who have a proven track record of delivering world-class events which entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. Previous work includes the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic mascot trail and the award-winning ‘Bee in the City’ in Manchester.

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.” 

“As a mutual, Wesleyan is committed to supporting our members and customers, many of whom have been working on the front lines during the pandemic and so we understood the importance of this project and wanted to make it an integral part of our 180th anniversary celebrations this year.”


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 BookBenches with designs inspired by their favourite books, poems and comics, celebrating creativity and the written word. 

Other 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, whilst also creating unique business development, marketing, employee and stakeholder engagement opportunities. Other sponsors include online grocer, Ocado, HSBC, Securitas and Bupa.

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


Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be announcing Wesleyan as our next location sponsor for Gratitude and to be continuing our relationship with them in order to celebrate our dedicated key workers after such a challenging time.” 


He continues:

“There are so many fantastic benefits to becoming involved with Gratitude and we hope that even more national businesses and sectors will step forward to show their gratitude to the enormous sacrifices of the NHS and key workers.”


Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships, Wild in Art, said:

“Gratitude is now starting to gain some fantastic brands as sponsors, many of who are using this as a vehicle to recognise and thank their own employees. There are also opportunities for businesses to promote their products and services through our app and provide a reward to people from unlocking their sculpture.”


The sculptures were revealed for the first time at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which showcased the first artist commissions from Birmingham artists MrASingh, Jess Perrin and Nisha Grover. 

After visiting Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and London, the sculptures will be auctioned off in the Autumn with substantial proceeds donated to NHS Charities Together (Registered Charity Number 1186569), which will support the NHS, including its hospitals, ambulance services, community and mental healthcare providers and vital partnerships. 

Businesses interested in sponsoring a sculpture should contact Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships, Wild in Art on 07768 038912, email julie@wildinart.co.uk


Locations interested in hosting Gratitude should contact gratitude@wildinart.co.uk