A giant land artwork, equivalent in size to four Olympic swimming pools, has been unveiled at Whitby Abbey as part of the National Lottery’s birthday celebrations. The colossal 5,400 square metre ‘Heritage Tree’ installation, enveloping English Heritage’s Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire, was revealed by actor and broadcaster, Sir Tony Robinson. The artwork pays tribute to the remarkable achievements of seven Heritage ‘Game Changers’, including individuals behind projects such as the Eden Project and the Windrush Foundation. Renowned land artist David Popa crafted the awe-inspiring installation, using the abbey’s landscape and natural pigments painted on the ground to depict the Game Changers’ hands grasping the roots of a tree.
The ‘Heritage Tree’ serves as a symbolic representation of the game-changing contributions made by these seven individuals in heritage, land, and nature over the past three decades. With over £30 million raised every week for good causes by National Lottery players, this artwork is just one of four unique activities taking place across the UK to commemorate The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday. The seven inspiring ‘Game Changers’ who inspired the artwork include Sir Tim Smit from The Eden Project, Arthur Torrington CBE from the Windrush Foundation, Teresa Anderson MBE from Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, and others who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
Sir Tony Robinson expressed his deep honour in supporting The National Lottery’s celebration of these extraordinary individuals, highlighting the pivotal role played by The National Lottery in enabling their causes and projects. Eilish McGuinness, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasised the importance of people in preserving heritage, stating that the ‘Heritage Tree’ installation at Whitby Abbey beautifully symbolises the profound impact and enduring legacy of each Game Changer.
This initiative marks the 30th anniversary of the first National Lottery draw and celebrates 30 inspirational Game Changers who have made remarkable contributions with the support of National Lottery funding. The Game Changers were selected based on their exceptional achievements in heritage preservation, science enhancement, and environmental conservation, with National Lottery funding playing a crucial role in empowering them to make a difference in communities throughout the UK. The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash to be aired on ITV.
Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded over £8.6 billion to support various projects, including those led by the Game Changers. English Heritage alone received significant funding for the restoration and protection of Whitby Headland and the abbey. The National Lottery continues to empower individuals to become Game Changers in their communities, with opportunities for funding available to support impactful projects. Follow the link to discover more about becoming the next Game Changer in your community through National Lottery funding: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers