Middlesbrough's heart beats blue and yellow for Ukraine

'Beating Heart' in central Middlesbrough is turning blue and yellow in a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Artist Stuart Langley's installation was relaunched in Church House by Middlesbrough Council last week after previously being shown last year.

In recent days Stuart has worked with building owners Jomast to programme the artwork so it flashes in the colours of the Ukraine flag at half past the hour on an evening.

Stuart said:

"It's horrendous to see what's happening to the people of Ukraine.

"One of the big ideas behind the Beating Heart is to spread hope and positivity and this small gesture shows the world that Middlesbrough supports Ukraine.

"Like many people I'm feeling pretty powerless, but people across Ukraine are in our hearts."

Beating Heart lights up after dusk each night as the building windows are transformed by an animated LED matrix.

The work has has previously been shown temporarily in Leeds, Manchester and London, and first drew crowds in Middlesbrough as part of a series of public art commissions managed by Navigator North, that coincided with Middlesbrough Art Weekender in 2021.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said:

"What we all want is for Putin to back down and pull out of Ukraine.

"Until that happens the people of Middlesbrough will show solidarity with Ukrainians by donating money and other items in short supply.

"This beautiful heart is a symbol of our solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Deputy Mayor Mieka Smiles said:

"The stories that are coming out of the Ukraine are utterly horrific and I know that Middlesbrough residents are praying for those caught up in this terrible invasion.

"Our hearts are absolutely with the people of Ukraine and this is a small way we can help to demonstrate exactly that."

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