Over the years we have conceptualised, designed and delivered a number of projects that have helped to improve our community, travelled around the U.K.,
and won national awards.
At Arch Creative, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not just a checkbox – it’s at the heart of our agency’s ethos. We believe design has the power to transform lives, inspire action, and strengthen communities. This commitment is reflected in the projects we create and deliver, each designed to spark positive change locally
and beyond.
Street Stories was created with the aim to revamp neglected shopfronts through design, storytelling and interactive public installations. The project, which was conceived by Arch in 2020, involved working closely with local artists and creators to reimagine the past, present, and future of Leicester, transforming these stories into compelling works of art. Still visible across the city today, Street Stories has helped to turn empty shop units into vibrant attractions.
By showcasing these stories in prominent public spaces, Street Stories creates a shared sense of belonging and understanding. It also gives marginalised voices a platform, fostering inclusion and dialogue. In Leicester, Street Stories explores some powerful themes including human rights, the environment, consumerism and identity, with topics ranging from Sir David Attenborough and endangered birds, to DNA fingerprinting, the LGBTQ+ movement and the suffragettes.
Street Stories was so successful in bringing colour and life back to city streets that we now offer the concept as a full-package initiative that BIDs and city councils can use to beautify their locations, promote local heroes and give up-and-coming artists a platform. To date, we’ve delivered Street Stories programmes in Wolverhampton, Colchester and Stirling in Scotland, giving city centres up and down the U.K. new attractions, and opening up access to free art and history in public spaces.
Mods: Shaping a Generation was an immersive heritage project co-created by Arch Creative, social history author Shaun Knapp, and Soft Touch Arts. The project explored Leicester’s vibrant mod scene of the 1960s. Featuring exhibits, oral histories, and creative workshops, it celebrated a pivotal era in British youth culture.
This initiative brought together people of all ages, bridging generational gaps through shared experiences and storytelling. The project also preserved an important chapter of local and national history, ensuring its cultural significance endures. By engaging young people in creative activities, the project highlighted how past subcultures continue to inspire and influence contemporary society.
The project won a tourism award and contributed £1.75M into the local economy.
We continued our partnership with Shaun Knapp and Soft Touch Arts in the creation and delivery of Punk: Rage and Revolution – a major intergenerational heritage learning project which told the story of the 1970s British punk youth subculture. We designed, co-curated and executed the promotional campaign for the award-winning project that included exhibitions at multiple venues, reaching over 52,500 attendees.
The exhibition showcased iconic artefacts, such as original clothing by Dame Vivienne Westwood and artwork by Jamie Reid, alongside stories and items from Leicester’s punk scene. Visitors discovered the surprising influence Leicester had on the national punk movement, generating local pride and international interest.
The project had a strong social mission, with young co-curators and designers contributing to every aspect of the exhibition. Over 240 young people created content, from fanzines to sustainable fashion pieces, bridging the gap between the punk ethos of the past and contemporary issues like the cost-of-living crisis and climate change.
The project’s influence extended far beyond the exhibition, with oral histories preserved for future generations and an economic impact of £2.7 million. It also received critical acclaim, winning the National Lottery Heritage Award for England and drawing visitors from around the world.
Brew Beat was designed to bring Leicester’s city centre to life with a dynamic three-day festival featuring live music and craft beer. Since 2021 we have worked in partnership with BID Leicester and local recording studio HQ Recording to deliver the festival, with our role focused on project managing the event and delivering the festival’s identity and marketing. We have worked closely with local providers to create a craft beer offering at the festival each year, handpicked to showcase the best of local and national breweries along with low- and no-alcohol options.
The event not only provides a platform for musicians and artists, but also invigorates the local economy, attracting visitors and generating footfall for businesses. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, creating a sense of pride and community spirit while highlighting Leicester as a hub of musical talent. It is now a popular annual event in the city’s festival calendar, attracting more visitors and emerging local artists each year.
We take great pride in collaborating on projects that support our city, its residents, businesses, and visitors, contributing to the local community and economy. Working with the local authority, tourism board, and BID, we’ve delivered impactful campaigns such as Make a Date with Leicester, which showcased the city’s cultural vibrancy, and the festive Christmas in Leicester campaign, which brings seasonal cheer to residents and visitors alike. Our We’ve Missed You initiative encouraged people to safely return to Leicester’s high streets after the pandemic, while the annual event Leicester Restaurant Week highlights the city’s diverse culinary scene and supports food and drink providers. Additionally, the Independent Leicester campaign celebrates the unique offerings of local independent businesses. Each project has been an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the vitality of our city.
These projects are just a glimpse of how we at Arch Creative leverage the power of design to create meaningful change. From celebrating cultural heritage to uniting local communities, our work demonstrates how creativity can drive social impact. At Arch, we’re proud to play a role in shaping a better future – one project at a time.
We’re responsive & easy to work with, so drop us a line and let’s create some amazing work together.
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