Leading UK sign maker Astra Signs has announced its support of Gratitude, a spectacular public art installation designed to pay homage to the ongoing courage and dedication of NHS staff and all key workers during the pandemic.

Organised by global art company Wild in Art and sponsored by Astra Signs,  the free to visit exhibition consists of 51 sculptures, all designed by individual artists from different regions, and curated in partnership with creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.

The event, which launched in Birmingham and is available to see in Manchester now, will also tour Edinburgh and London before the sculptures are auctioned off at a later date, where substantial proceeds will be 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.

Standing tall amongst the installation is Astra Signs’ sponsored sculpture, Faces of Lockdown, created by acclaimed Manchester illustrator and mural painter, Hammo.   As official signage partner the Manchester-headquartered company is also also providing expert direction on the logistics, design, branding and install of the impressive event, and producing all brand assets including floor vinyls, toblerones, fence panels and crowd barrier covers.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Founder and Managing Director of Astra Signs, David Derbyshire said:  “Gratitude is a spectacular and visually arresting art installation in aid of an incredible cause.  We’re thrilled to be able to support Wild in Art in the production of the event and to honour NHS staff and Key Workers nationwide for all that they have selflessly done to help others these last 18 months.”

The partnership is the latest in a long list of art and cultural events supported by Astra Signs and one we are delighted to promote.