Send a Smile
Global homelessness postcard project
Decorate a postcard and make someone smile! This installation celebrates the power of connection and creativity in difficult times through postcards from arts and homelessness projects across the globe.
In 2020, Hayley and Beth from Underground Lights community theatre in Coventry wanted to bring joy to people deeply isolated by COVID-19. They sent out blank postcards and pens, inviting people to decorate them with words or pictures that would make someone smile.
The idea went global with the help of Arts and Homelessness International. Creative partners from across the globe – all supporting people facing homelessness – took part. The result is a collection of over 250 ‘Send a Smile’ postcards from Cocoroom (Japan), P:ear Mentor (USA), Milk Crate Theatre (Australia), Johannesburg Awakening Minds (South Africa), Pehchan (India) and Uma Só Voz (Brazil).
You are invited into their world of connections and creativity in this postcard installation created by David Tovey and Dan Badja. Take time to write or draw a postcard that will bring joy and send a smile to people you care about.
Manchester Museum was shortlisted for Cultural Space of the Year in the 2023 Arts and Homelessness International Awards in 2023. We work with organisations supporting people who are homeless on our Top Floor, take action through our engagement programmes, and provide a warm welcome to all.