Damien Hirst's Help the Hungry solidarity image displayed across UK

Artwork in aid of Independent campaign raised to show solidarity with those tackling hunger in their communities

An artwork designed by Damien Hirst to mark The Independent’s Help the Hungry campaign has been displayed in windows as a sign of solidarity with those charities and individuals supporting their communities with food.

Since the campaign was launched, more than 1 million meals have been donated so far in London, the UK’s worst afflicted region, during the coronavirus outbreak that has torn at the fabric of society and left those who depended on shuttered institutions including schools and places of worship even more vulnerable.

The campaign is backed by figures including Meghan Markle, the London mayor Sadiq Khan, Labour MP Jess Phillips and TV cook Nigella Lawson.

Now children have shared images of them proudly displaying the artwork designed by Hirst, one of the nation’s most revered artists, to thank those helping to tackle hunger in their communities,

The Turner Prize-winning artist created the rainbow heart design filled with butterflies to pay tribute to charities and individuals helping to feed vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis.

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Hirst has frequently used butterflies to symbolise death and rebirth in his work, and has deployed them in various mediums throughout his career.

You can download the artwork to display in your window here.

Evgeny Lebedev, shareholder of The Independent, said of Hirst's contribution: “This is a stunning artwork from one of Britain’s foremost contemporary artists. Hirst’s symbol of hope is a reminder that we must face this crisis together, something our campaign has tried to show.”

The Independent is encouraging readers to help groups that are trying to feed the hungry across the country – find out how you can help here. Follow this link ​to donate to our campaign in London, in partnership with the Evening Standard.