Can you spot a Lotto London projects?

02 November 2015

Zoe Smith launches nationwide image tour in London

Olympic weightlifter Zoe Smith launched a UK-wide tour of The National Lottery’s Celebratory Image at London’s Rich Mix arts centre this morning.

The Celebratory Image, a giant art piece that depicts over 150 people from Lottery supported projects, was created to mark the 20^th anniversary of The National Lottery and showcase the variety of projects that have benefited from funding.

Inspirational Londoners joined the Commonwealth medallist and Rich Mix Board Member Shazia Ali-Webber in giving the artwork a send off at the Lottery-funded centre, before it embarks on the nationwide tour.

More than fifteen of the fifty Lottery-funded projects in the image are from London, from larger organisations like Hackney Empire to the small arts group Creative Sparkworks.

Creative Sparkworks put on a ceramics workshop for the tour launch at Rich Mix, which Zoe took part in making a clay version of her pose in the image.

Zoe Smith, 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; from kids cookery workshops to sports for disabled people.

“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 feel honoured to appear in the image and hope it 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, starting at Rich Mix. Hopefully the artwork will inspire the public to apply for Lottery funding.”

Since Saturday the Celebratory Image has been on show at Rich Mix, which has received over £12 million in Lottery funding, and will be displayed at a further eight venues. The image can next be viewed at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead until Saturday 8 November.

Ends.