Art with Heart
At its core, our work is all about connection. So, when Malavika from Heart Research UK reached out to us, we jumped at the chance to collaborate. The charity was looking for a creative way to launch a one-day brand activation in their hometown of Leeds during the May school holidays.
Their vision? A central, interactive art installation that would stop people in their tracks, encourage community participation, and open up vital conversations about heart health.
Heart Research UK were by an interactive art wall we previously created in Bradford for the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, but they wanted to add in a hidden brand reveal. The charity’s branding would be integrated directly into the wall, covered up, and then peeled back to reveal a final collaborative masterpiece at the end of the day. We were only too happy to oblige with this exciting idea.
The Big Day: Leeds Briggate
On a beautifully sunny Saturday in May, our team members, Jamie and Dan, headed to the main drag of Leeds Briggate to set up the huge installation. The street had a fantastic buzz, and the wall quickly became a focal point for the bustling crowds.
Alongside Jamie and Dan were Tom, Malavika from Heart Research UK, along with other members of their charities team. They were on hand to chat with the public and offer free blood pressure and heart monitor testing.
The importance of this testing cannot be understated. During events like this, roughly 40% of people tested are advised to visit a doctor due to high blood pressure readings. Because poor heart health often carries no early warning signs, a quick check on a busy high street can truly be lifesaving, equipping people with the knowledge they need to make positive lifestyle changes.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
People of all ages came together to leave their mark on the wall. The public interacted by contributing:
- Drawings & Doodles: Colourful hearts and creative designs.
- Moving Tributes: Messages in memory of loved ones lost to heart disease.
- Personal Statements: Short stories on “Why I care about heart health.”
- Words of Hope: Messages of encouragement and support for healthier futures.
The emotional weight of the day was profoundly felt. Jamie was particularly moved by a conversation with a woman who shared the story of her sister, who tragically passed away from a preventable heart attack. It was a stark reminder of exactly why we were all out there.
The Big Reveal
As the afternoon drew to a close, it was time for the final reveal. Peeling back the layers to showcase the completed, community-driven artwork was an incredible moment.
The team at Heart Research UK was absolutely thrilled with the final result, so much so that they took the finished boards back to their headquarters to proudly display them in their offices!
Bringing people together to raise awareness for such critical causes makes everything we do incredibly rewarding. A huge thank you to Heart Research UK for trusting us with their vision, and to everyone in Leeds who picked up a marker and shared their heart with us.
Interested in bringing an interactive art installation to your next campaign? Get in touch with us today!
