News campaign to help QA Hospital calls on artists to brighten life during coronavirus lockdown

That’s the message from Portsmouth’s art community, as The News launches its latest initiative in a bid to make people smile.

Today on our front page, we reveal Southsea street artist My Dog Sighs’ newest creation - made especially for our campaign - and are encouraging other artists to get on board and create works that can boost morale as well as raise cash for good causes.

The city artist said: ‘For a lot of people, this is a time when they actually have some time to dedicate to art.

'Don’t get to the end of lockdown and regret not taking the opportunity.

'It is a sad, strange time but you have to make the most of it.

'I can kill many hours with a paintbrush in my hand. If you have a creative bone in your body and you have the time and willingness then do it. It will make you feel better and make those around you feel better too.’

The artwork - titled Even Apart We Are Together - is part of My Dog Sighs’ Everyman series.

The internationally-recognised artist, who is also well known for his artwork featuring lifelike eyes and faces painted on to tin cans, created his characteristic stickman 15 years to capture a childish naivety - and he has appeared all over the city and world.

The street artist said he was honoured to be the first artist featured by The News and to use Everyman to convey a poignant message.

He said: ‘There are so many grave headlines at the moment, I felt this would be a nice idea to help people stop and step back and think about what’s happening and reflect in a positive way.’

My Dog Sighs is also involved in another project to put artwork on the city’s advertising hoardings - and he has been working with schools to put together digital art classes.

He said: ‘My artwork is about making Portsmouth an interesting place to wander and explore. If I can put a smile on someone's face then that’s great.’

The original artwork will be auctioned off and the money raised given to The News’ Help Our QA Heroes fund.

The appeal has raised more than £22,000 so far for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust staff who are working around the clock in difficult circumstances.

To get involved, or to put in a bid, email [email protected]