Bee Inspired was specially commissioned by the University of Manchester for the Bee in the City Art Trail (July – September 2018). One of over 100 supersized bees along with over 130 mini bees, Bee Inspired took pride of place in the University of Manchester’s Quad during the public exhibition. The artwork was produced during May in a warehouse near Piccadilly Train Station. All bees were auctioned off on the 17th October 2018 with monies raised going to the Lord Mayor Manchester’s We Love MCR Charity.
A total of £ 1,128,250 was raised with Bee Inspired fetching £12,000.
This design represents the University of Manchester and showcases the University colours: purple, gold and grey. The world in its eyes focuses on global links, international investment in people, pulling together and working towards a sustainable future. The cog, depicted in yellow around the eyes, symbolizes that this is a worker bee. In consultation with staff, one of the researchers said if there are no bees, then there will be no life. Thus the buildings that are included on the bee that are part of the university including the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, Samuel Alexander Building, John Rylands Gallery have a light on in the doorways to symbolise that there continues to be hope for the future because there is research going on to help save the bees and therefore saving humans and other forms of life on earth.
Kate’s pet name for her bee is Eugene and for fun she wrote a song about Eugene that has been recorded and featured in her film.
