AI projection makes light work of saluting our Game Changers

The AI-driven data painting is called ‘Symphony of the Game Changers’. It pays tribute to seven National Lottery Game Changers who have had a transformative impact on arts and film since the first National Lottery draw was held in 1994.

As well as Gurinder Chadha, the data painting uses the brainwaves of Sir Peter Murray, the founder of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Adam Joolia, the driving force behind the music project AudioActive and Berwyn Rowlands, founder and festival director of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The other arts and film Game Changers celebrated by the artwork are choreographer and dancer Marc Brew, poet, storyteller and playwright Nandi Jola and Marilyn Willrich and Nikki Stratton, deaf entrepreneurs who founded Deaffest, the UK’s leading Deaf-led film and arts festival.

The AI cognitive painting is a UK-first for Istanbul-based Ouchhh Studio, an organisation using ground-breaking cognitive technology to illuminate iconic buildings across the world. ‘Symphony of the Game Changers’ was projected onto the iconic façade of the V&A’s Exhibition Road Courtyard building.

Jordan Stephens, a member of hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, shared his experience of National Lottery-funded arts and film projects such as AudioActive.

Jordan said, “Creativity and culture are the lifeblood of our communities, and I feel it’s important to champion the game-changing people who have given a sense of belonging, purpose and inspired passion for the arts on such a huge scale. I’ve experienced first-hand how National Lottery-funded organisations can be genuinely life-changing and it means a lot to see Adam, who channelled his passion for music so selflessly through Audio Active, recognised for his contributions that have impacted the lives of so many young people.”

The unveiling of the AI cognitive painting is one of four activities taking place across the UK to mark The National Lottery’s 30th birthday on 19th November 2024. All of our Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners.

The arts and film Game Changers are:

Gurinder Chadha OBE

Gurinder Chadha OBE, one of the UK’s most proven and respected film directors, writers and producers, whose films (including Bend It Like Beckham) highlight issues of identity, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and immigration.

Sir Peter Murray

Sir Peter Murray, founder and executive director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park – the largest of its kind in Europe. The park has supported hundreds of artists locally and internationally since the 1970s.

Adam Joolia

Adam Joolia, driving force behind Audio Active, which helps hundreds of disadvantaged young people, who are not served by traditional music pathways.

Marc Brew

Marc Brew, prolific choreographer and disabled dancer who rediscovered dance after being left with spinal cord damage following a car accident. He trains disabled and non-disabled dancers internationally, choreographing for Candoco Dance Company, Scottish Dance Theatre, AXIS Dance Company, Scottish Ballet and Ballet Cymru.

Berwyn Rowlands

Berwyn Rowlands, founder and festival director of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which takes place in Cardiff and is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize.

Nandi Jola

Nandi Jola, poet, storyteller and playwright who explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience in her poetry, empowering young people in Northern Ireland from marginalised backgrounds.

Marilyn Willrich and Nikki Stratton

Marilyn Willrich and Nikki Stratton, deaf entrepreneurs who founded Deaffest, the UK’s leading Deaf-led film and arts festival.

Thanks to you, our National Lottery players, more than £30MMillion is raised every week for good causes.

Find out more about the Game Changers initiative here.

5th November 2024