Wunderman Thompson has partnered with charity Hestia to illuminate the realities of modern slavery through the sixth year of their ‘Art is Freedom exhibition’.
Wunderman Thompson has supported the charity with a Piccadilly Lights takeover coinciding with Anti-Slavery Day, promoting Hestia’s Trafalgar Square exhibition, delivered in partnership with Westminster City Council and with ad space donated by Landsec.
Showcasing the work of survivors who are often unseen, the film is played on the largest out-of-home site in Europe and states: “The art is free, and now so are the artists”.
Hestia, which is the leading provider of modern slavery support in London and the South East, aims to change perceptions of modern slavery to get the public to recognise that slavery happens everywhere and anyone can become a victim.
“Most of us cannot quite comprehend that slavery still happens in London and the UK in 2023,” said Hestia chief executive Patrick Ryan.
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“We hope that seeing Art is Freedom up on the iconic Piccadilly lights raises awareness of this brutal and often unpunished crime while also celebrating the talents, resilience, and hope of survivors.”
Wunderman Thompson UK creative director Mike Watson commented: “We’re happy to have played an incredibly small part in helping Hestia express the stories and identities of those who have escaped modern slavery on one of the most viewed digital canvases in London.”
Deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, public protection and licensing, councillor Aicha Less added: “We are so proud to continue our support for Hestia and showcase the incredible artwork around Westminster.
“Locations like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square give the artists a chance to share their story with the biggest possible audience. We hope this will raise awareness of modern slavery in the UK and change the perception of how it can happen in 2023.”
The exhibition follows an announcement earlier this month that revealed WPP has merged two of its flagship agencies – VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson – to create ‘VML’.
