This is the heartwarming message behind hundreds of vibrant posters which have popped up around Leeds

Posters for the People 2.0, a citywide art project by Leeds organisation In Good Company, has seen 450 sites brightened up with posters and billboards.

Each poster conveys a positive and supportive message thanking essential frontline workers for their continued efforts.

Laura Wellington, founder of the In Good Company, said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but for many working on the front lines, this winter has really taken its toll.

“We want to show key workers that we still see them, appreciate their efforts, and understand just how much pressure they’re under.

“At the same time, we want to ensure they can access mental health support if they need it”, she added.

Members of the public can buy copies of the posters, with all money raised going to Frontline19, an organisation that provides free psychological support to people working on the frontline.

Posters and billboards went up in the middle of February, with messages including ‘Where Would We Be Without You’, ‘Your Courage is Not Taken For Granted And You Are Loved’ and ‘To All Those Working Day And Night To Bring Home The Light, We See You.

The installations have been designed by 19 leading artists from across the UK, including Margaret Calvert OBE, Stanley Donwood and Super Mundane.

Ms Calvert said: “I’m just so pleased to have been given the chance to produce an artwork acknowledging our thanks to all essential frontline workers, for their bravery in risking their lives for the benefit of all - allowing us to look forward to a virus free time, whilst adding a little much needed colour to our streets, in support of a charitable venture.”

In the first lockdown, the original Posters for the People campaign saw 450 poster sites and billboards across the city transformed.

Posters for the People was Laura’s brainchild, who set up In Good Company as a passion project with the aim of bringing more large-scale art, fun and colour to the city.

When projects were paused as COVID-19 took hold, Laura wanted to use her skills and connections to amplify the gestures of thanks she saw in the streets around her Chapeltown home.

Posters for the People 2.0 is sponsored by Leeds City Council, BJSS, MyVyne, FYI and Pop Art Media Group.

Visit www.ingoodcompany uk.com for more information.

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