Art has the power to move us. How often does it inspire, unite, and educate? The #SavingButterflies project achieves all this and more. It addresses the challenges of refugees and biodiversity, involving local communities in its creation. Launched by artist Aylal Heydarova, this project blends public art, environmental activism, and social awareness.
At the heart of #SavingButterflies is the idea of transformation. Butterflies symbolize resilience and migration, making them the perfect metaphor. Led by the charity WE RESTART, children from the WELR community created a butterfly sculpture in Chelsea, showcasing the impact of climate change on butterfly migration.
Butterflies are essential pollinators and indicators of ecosystem health, yet many UK species are in decline. The project engages children in butterfly conservation through workshops, empowering them to be environmental stewards.
By intertwining art with ecological learning, #SavingButterflies fosters empathy and understanding. It builds bridges between people and nature, promoting dialogue on resilience for both humans and ecosystems. Future plans include expanding the project across London, creating new sculptures with local children in various boroughs.