The Hope Tree 2025
The Hope Tree grew from a simple idea: that every person carries a quiet hope for their community, and when those hopes are shared and seen, they begin to take root. Over the summer, the tree blossomed with messages collected from people across Maryon Park, Gallions Park, Greenwich Park, and Danson House, each leaf a voice, each voice a story of belonging.
The leaves are colour-coded by theme, revealing the range of what our communities value most: community, safety, youth, access, wellbeing, environment, economy, and inclusion. Together, they create a living map of what people dream for the places they share.
Some leaves speak of simple joys “Even the dog looks like he’s smiling” or “Came for one song, stayed for ten.” Others carry deeper wishes, for safety, for connection, for moments of stillness amid busy lives. Through these words, patterns emerge that show the strength and compassion of our neighbourhoods.
Across the parks, a recurring theme was connection. People described meeting neighbours for the first time, chatting with strangers, or recognising a familiar face after years apart. This sense of reconnection, particularly after periods of isolation, highlights how public art and outdoor gatherings can rebuild trust and warmth within communities.
Another powerful theme was inclusion, reflected in quotes celebrating diversity and accessibility. People noticed sign language on stage, young and older participants sharing space, and activities that felt open to everyone regardless of background or ability. The leaves in bright pinks and greens remind us that true inclusion isn’t abstract; it’s something people feel instantly when they are seen, heard, and welcomed.
Safety and wellbeing also surface strongly in the voices from each park. Families spoke about feeling comfortable letting children play freely, while others described moments of calm, yoga at sunrise, music in the evening, or the simple act of sitting together under trees. These messages reveal how creative spaces can contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing, transforming ordinary parks into sanctuaries of trust and reflection.
The themes of environment and economy intertwine through gratitude for clean green spaces and community markets. People expressed pride in seeing the parks cared for, linking environmental responsibility to shared ownership. Local vendors, musicians and families all benefited from these gatherings, proving that culture and sustainability can nurture one another when rooted in place.
The youth voices were especially poignant, full of curiosity and courage. From skate jams to open mics, young people found opportunities to express themselves and be celebrated. Their leaves are vivid with energy and promise, symbolising the next generation’s role in shaping a kinder, more confident future.
In its final form, the Hope Tree is more than an artwork; it is a reflection of collective emotion and civic health. Each theme, though distinct in colour and meaning, branches into the same truth: people want to feel connected, valued, and part of something larger than themselves.
The project demonstrates that culture can act as a social infrastructure, not just entertainment, but a framework for belonging, dialogue and renewal. The impact is visible in every quote: hope shared publicly becomes a resource for everyone. The Hope Tree stands as a gentle but powerful reminder that our communities thrive not through grand gestures, but through the simple, human act of listening