This project will involve young people across the capital in the creation of visual works of art that will be represented on large-scale helium balloons that will be floated above the city. The balloons will be internally illuminated and so will be visible by day and night.

It seems clear from the recent trouble that has swept across London and other cities in the UK that there has been a breakdown of connection and communication in our communities. There have already been a bewildering number of explanations and interpretations of the unrest, although what does seem clear is that many people feel that they have little vested in their immediate environment and little to lose by damaging it.

Upwards is a project that addresses these issues in a number of ways and operates on a number of different levels. At its most fundamental, it will bring together people to create something beautiful, visible and magical. Furthermore, the project provides a mechanism for individuals to make something that can be seen from their streets, to work collectively towards their dreams and desires through visual means. It opens up a way for people to place a legitimate, legal and creative claim to their immediate environment, opening up dialogue and facilitating positive shared experience.

The project would result in the creation of up to 10 balloons located across London and would involve working with up to 20 individual young people.

Works of art are often created and exhibited in an exclusive fashion, using places that, for whatever reason, are not freely available to all members of society. Upwards offers something different, something more democratic – genuinely created by the people for the people.

In a wider and more metaphorical sense, the works created will float above the city like dreams representing our collective desires and providing common reference points to literally look up to.

The project will be led by Isambard Poulson, a fine artist, working with Kois Miah, a documentary photographer.