London is filled with extraordinary street art, many with their own individual messages and meanings to represent voices around the city. This month, a mural has been unveiled to shine a light on child poverty in the capital, which is all part of charity The Childhood Trust’s campaign, #BringTheirArtToLife.
You’ll find the striking piece on The Great Eastern Art Wall in Shoreditch which hopes to raise both awareness to the continuous issue of child poverty and funds through donations to support summer activities for children, from youth clubs to sports centres to safe spots to play. Those who visit will be able to scan a QR code on the spot, which will enable them to donate to the charity directly.
The mural itself is made up of a set of drawings by children from The Winchester Project and Westminster House Youth Club, with images showing people taking part in swimming, drama classes, and outdoor activities. Both spaces are supported by the The Chilldhood Trust, and the art shown depicts the activities young people should be able to look forward to as the summer approaches.
Through enjoying the artwork from the children and donating, passers-by can help support the enjoyment of these activities this year, with the charity working to ensure vulnerable children can access them while keeping safe and enjoying themselves through the summer break from schools.
Speaking on the mural, Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive at The Childhood Trust, said: “Summer should be a time of freedom and fun, but for too many children in London, it can bring hunger, isolation, and missed opportunities. This mural is a powerful reminder of what children wish for, and what they deserve.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Cain International for this opportunity, to the artists at Global Street Art for transforming the children’s drawings into something so impactful, and above all to the children themselves, whose creativity are the beating heart of this campaign.”
Find the mural from The Childhood Trust on The Great Eastern Art Wall on Great Eastern Street (nearest station is Shoreditch High Street). It’ll be located at the stage until May 23. Find out more and donate here.