A group of artists have been creating amazing works of Musical Art to help support the Ukulele Kids Club UK.
Art 4 Uke (art4uke.org) is an art and music fundraising initiative, based in Brighton and supporting a national campaign. The idea was drummed up by a local entrepreneur and a contemporary art gallery. Bringing professional street artists together, to create musical art in support of the Ukulele Kids Club UK (uk.theukc.org).
The aim of the project is to produce playable ukuleles that are also beautiful works of art. Suitable for playing on any stage or hanging on any art gallery wall. These 'art ukes' will be auctioned to raise funds for the UKC-UK.
The Ukulele Kids Club UK gives ukuleles to hospitalised children in the UK. Working with music therapists, teachers, play specialist, volunteers and music in healthcare professionals; the UKC-UK sends ukuleles to hospitals up and down the country. The ukuleles are given to patients as a gift of Music For Life. Now in its fourth year, the campaign has donated well over 100 ukuleles to children in seventeen hospitals and wards.
Some of the artists involved in the project include locally famous street art giants such as:
I Own This Art aka Jason McQuillen - known for his art buses, Snowdogs and striking monochrome artwork seen around Brighton & Hove.
Manic Minotaur aka Scott Nellis - pop art and colourful graphics seen most recently on his #BeMoreSnail piece.
There is also whisper of input from Cassette Lord (aka Martin Middleton). Well known around Brighton & Hove and nationally, for his Telephone Exchange Artwork and Cassette Based Pop Art. These artists also have close connections with local superstar DJ Norman Cook (aka Fat Boy Slim). Having worked on projects that he was involved in and even some private commissions.
The art ukuleles now form a collection of 5 and are being shown at music and ukulele events around the south. They have been seen at the Sussex Ukulele Festival and for two years running, at the famous beach festival Paddle Round The Pier. The project is currently on going, with new artists joining the gang all the time. The organisers hope to hold an event to finalise the project at some point. So go and take a look at the website art4uke.org to see the amazing art ukuleles and look out for them at a music event near you!
“Fabulous concept! Giving children a form of happiness, focus, enlightenment, to learn, bond with others and use this throughout their stay and literally have music for life! Doctors and Nurses are phenomenal! But with introducing music, it is in its own right a ‘therapy’ and I am very proud to be a small part of this.” Graham Freeman - Art4Uke Artist
Places that the Ukulele Kids Club UK donates ukuleles to include: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Nottingham Children’s Hospital School, Great Ormond Street Hospital London, Leicester Children’s Hospital, Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, Royal Brompton Hospital in London, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Royal London Hospital, Evelina Children’s Hospital, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Leeds Children’s Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital; and several other sites in Birmingham, Nottingham and Swindon.