Can you spot a Lotto inspiring Geordie?
26th Ionawr 2016
05 November 2015
Josef Craig unveils the Celebratory Image at BALTIC
Hebburn Paralympic swimmer Josef Craig unveiled The National Lottery’s Celebratory Image to two North East projects depicted in the artwork at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art this morning.
The Celebratory Image, a giant art piece that depicts over 150 people from 50 Lottery-funded projects, was created to mark the 20th anniversary of The National Lottery and showcase the variety of projects that have benefited from funding.
Inspirational Geordies joined the London 2012 gold medallist for the artwork unveiling at BALTIC, which has also received National Lottery funding, before the piece continues on its nationwide gallery tour.
Alan Richards and Ossie Cresswell, from Equal Arts’ older people’s wellbeing project HenPower, and Helen Averley, from youth circus group Family La Bonche, were overjoyed to see themselves in the finished image when the Paralympic champion unveiled it for the first time.
Josef Craig, who is one of 1,300 athletes supported by Lottery funding, was full of praise for the image:
“The National Lottery’s Celebratory Image is not only a stunning artwork, but it also highlights the incredible work that the people behind the projects do on an epic scale. Unveiling the image to these inspirational North East projects was a real honour- they were delighted to see themselves in the artwork!”
“I benefit greatly from Lottery funding, and know that without the vital support of Lottery players I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope the Celebratory Image encourages others to look into Lottery funding when it visits a nearby galley.”
Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, said:
“Thanks to Lottery players, £34billion of National Lottery funding has been invested into 450,000 projects since its launch in 1994. The Celebratory Image highlights the breadth and diversity of this funding available to people in the UK.
“We are very excited to take the art piece on a tour of incredible Lottery-funded galleries across the UK, including BALTIC. Hopefully the art work will inspire the public to apply for Lottery funding.”
The Celebratory Image will be on show at BALTIC, which from 1998-2002 received over £43 million in Lottery funding, until Sunday 8 November 2015 before going on to a further seven venues. The image can next be viewed at The Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 17 November 2015.
Nodiadau i olygyddion
Notes to Editors
National Lottery players have raised more than £34 billion for arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport and voluntary projects across the UK since 1994; see the difference it’s making near you at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art began life as a derelict flour mill on the banks of the River Tyne. Thanks to over £43 million in National Lottery funding it is now an international centre for contemporary art, and one of the North East's most popular tourist attractions.
HenPower, an Equal Arts project, has received over £1 million from the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund. HenPower allows older people and those with dementia living in care homes, to look after hens in order to improve their health and wellbeing. The Hen Road show involves the more active participants taking the hens to visit other care homes as well as schools and other groups.
Family la Bonche received over £36,000 in National Lottery funding through Heritage Lottery Fund. The project used the money to explore circus heritage in the North East and become experts in their chosen art form.
For further information, please contact
Nicola Bligh, Media Relations Executive at the National Lottery Promotions Unit
Nicola.Bligh@Lotterygoodcauses.org.uk, 0207 211 3991