We have commissioned artist Martin Firrell to create ‘Brought to Light’ – an annual series of public art across digital billboards and 6 sheets, highlighting lesser-known stories of social value. The first artworks under the ‘Brought to Light’ banner highlight the achievements of Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman.
On 18 May 1991, a young woman from Sheffield blasted off into space and orbited the earth for 8 days, making British ‘herstory’.
Women’s Underwear (2024) brings to light the gender of Britain's first astronaut with the intention of promoting equality of opportunity for all British people.
From Sheffield (2024) brings to light the idea that it makes no difference where you start off from; it's where you end up that matters.
Where no woman has gone before (2024) brings to light, in a playful way, the profoundly serious point that women are trailblazers, pioneers, experts, and ‘herstory’ makers.
Martin Firrell is an internationally acclaimed Franco-British public artist long associated with the international out-of-home industry. He uses art to engage the public in conversations that, in the artist’s own words, “aim to make the world more humane”.
Helen Sharman, featured in this first Brought to Light series, commented: “These public artworks are not so much about me, but about how there is a place for everyone in science and exploration.”
According to our CEO, Matthew Dearden: “Our company has been built on the foundations of inclusivity and positive connections. We commissioned ‘Brought to Light’ to connect people across the UK with socially important stories – in this instance, with the story of a pioneering young woman from Sheffield who went, literally, out of this world.”
The artwork will appear from 6-29 March 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8 March, dovetailing with this year’s theme: Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress.
‘Brought to Light’ will be displayed across our digital billboard and 6 sheet network, bringing socially engaged public art to more than half of all UK adults.
