The People Behind The Portraits

Commissioned by Leeds City Council, this interactive public art installation was co-created with members of Leeds’ LGBTQIA+ community to help make Merrion Gardens feel more welcoming, visible and inclusive for people of marginalised genders. Through engagement sessions with groups including Transtastic, Out-2-18 and The Shine Project, a recurring theme emerged around the importance of representation and seeing people like yourself reflected in public spaces.

The final installation featured ten large-scale painted portraits placed throughout the gardens, each linked to a QR code connecting visitors to filmed interviews where participants shared their stories, experiences, challenges and ambitions - introducing viewers to the people behind the portraits.