Facing COVID-19: The agency inspiring and uniting creatives while supporting local independent businesses

A North East creative agency has launched two new initiatives to encourage creative expression and support local independent businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sail Creative has launched Creative Waves, a platform for people from around the world to contribute ideas and artwork inspired by the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown.

In addition, the agency has put together a digital map of the support available in its home city of Newcastle, highlighting the services on offer from a range of independent businesses across the city.

Mandy, Kat and Danni of Sail Creative explained: ’We have had contributions from across the globe, and want to continue to build the community. We set it up for our creative wellbeing, to come away from the pressures of paid work and creating ‘masterpieces’.

“We wanted to explore how we are feeling creatively away from daily life. This is also such an interesting moment in history that’s going to change the world as we know it, and a chance to document it.”

Commenting on the creation of the digital map, they continued: “We have used our skills to design and launch a digital map of the support available for COVID-19. Newcastle is a beautiful, vibrant and community spirited city and this current pandemic has only reinforced this all the more.

“So many individuals, independent businesses, charities and communities have jumped into action to support each other and this needs to be shared and celebrated.”