Seats of Hope
Seats of Hope transforms public benches into mosaicked artworks that celebrate nature, community and wellbeing. Sponsor a bench to support rewilding, mental health and community connection in Gibraltar.
Created in collaboration with GibSams Gibraltar.
Seats of Hope reimagines public benches as small sanctuaries - beautifully mosaicked artworks that invite people to pause, reflect and reconnect with nature. Each bench celebrates a single species native to our seas and landscapes and carries a message of mental health, recovery or community. Funds raised help plant mini-forests, support local conservation and deliver wellbeing programmes in Gibraltar.
With thanks to the Ministry for Education, the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,
Heritage, Technical Services and Transport for their collaboration and for granting the use of these benches.
How it Works
Note: For artistic integrity, the final mosaic design is created by our artist to ensure longevity and structural stability. Donor teams can choose the species, submit a short message, and be featured in project materials.
Choose & sponsor
Organisations or individuals sponsor a bench (plaques, dedications and visibility options available).
artist designs
Our artist, Ireana Schwock, designs a mosaic around a chosen species and a short message; the mosaic technique ensures the artwork is durable and accessible.
Install & celebrate
The bench is installed in a public space; we launch with a community celebration and share the story online.
Sponsor a Seat of Hope
Corporate Sponsorship
• Prominent plaque and logo placement
• Complimentary social feature and press release mention
• Invitation to official launch (photo opportunity)
• Options to choose a local charity to support, a species and the bench message for Wild Connection.
Ways your team or community can join (without affecting the artist’s process)
• Vote on the species from our available shortlist.
• Submit a short “message of hope” (max 6–8 words) to be considered for the plaque. Link your chosen cause with nature and wildlife!
• Run an internal species vote from our list of available species.
• Support the mini-forest programme funded by a portion of each sponsorship.
Contact details:Whole Wild World - Seats of HopeEmail: info@wholewildworld.org
The Artist - Ireana Schwock
Eco-Decor by Ireana
Artist Profile – Ireana Schwock - Eco-Decor by Ireana
Ireana Schwock, a Gibraltar-based artist, has been creating nature-inspired artworks for many years. Mosaic is at the heart of her practice, allowing her to capture the beauty of the natural world through vibrant colour and intricate design. Her work celebrates the connection between people and nature, highlighting its power to bring joy, awareness, and hope.
Beyond her mosaics, Ireana also leads community workshops, sharing her passion for nature art at events such as Disconnect Reconnect, where she guided participants in making dreamcatchers from natural materials. Through both her public art and community engagement, she inspires others to see and cherish the beauty of the wild.
Seats of Hope Gallery
All Seats of Hope are crafted using durable materials, designed for accessibility and public safety.
Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis)
Sponsored by M H Bland
"Healing Minds with Nature"
This first Seat of Hope was beautifully created by mosaic artist Ireana Schwock in partnership with mental health charity GibSams, sponsored by M H Bland. Installed at the foreshore of Europa Point, the Common Dolphin was chosen as the perfect symbol of freedom and connection to the sea, with the support of M H Bland. The project launched alongside our Disconnect Reconnect event, raising awareness of the vital link between nature and mental health. Each Seat of Hope represents a place to pause and a reminder that hope can be found in nature, even in life’s most difficult moments.
Orcas (Orcinus orca)
Sponsored by Gib Oil
"Nature nurtures recovery"
Our second Seat of Hope was created by mosaic artist Ireana Schwock with the generous support of Gib Oil, in aid of Cancer Relief Gibraltar. Situated at Europa Point, the bench features the Orca, a symbol of strength, resilience, and the deep bonds that sustain us through life’s hardest challenges.
This Seat of Hope honors the journey of recovery and reminds us, like nature itself, that renewal and healing are always possible.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Sponsored by Lottoland
"Like the turtle, may you find strength in patience and hope in endurance. Rest here, and know that every step forward is a victory."
Our third Seat of Hope by Ireana Schwock, was kindly sponsored by Lottoland and depicts the beautiful Loggerhead turtle. Loggerheads are a vulnerable species, close to the hearts of the Lottoland Team as they also support a turtle Charity in the Isle of Man. Their chosen charity in Gibraltar is GibSams, representing resilience and hope for the future for this enigmatic species, promoting once again, the importance of nature for our mental well being.
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini)
Sponsored by Cert. Insurance Group Ltd
"Where hammerheads thrive, oceans recover. Hammerhead sharks reflect the connectivity and balance of marine ecosystems"
The fourth Seat of Hope, sponsored by Cert. Insurance Group Ltd, brings the ocean into focus through a striking piece by artist Ireana Schwock, featuring one of the sea’s most iconic and vulnerable species, the scalloped hammerhead shark. Classified as Critically Endangered, scalloped hammerheads have suffered dramatic population declines due to overfishing, bycatch, and the global demand for shark fins.
Through this Seat of Hope, we also shine a light on the incredible work of The Nautilus Project. Their impact in Gibraltar has been truly transformative, from protecting marine habitats and rescuing wildlife, to inspiring a deeper connection between the local community and the ocean that surrounds it.
Ready to support a Seat of Hope?
Seats of Hope
• Visible Legacy: Your sponsorship creates a permanent public artwork in Gibraltar, visited and enjoyed daily by tourists & locals.
• Meaningful Impact: Each seat supports community wellbeing, mental health awareness, and local rewilding projects.
• Brand Recognition: Sponsors are acknowledged on plaques, media campaigns, and Whole Wild World’s outreach channels.
• Community Connection: Celebrate your commitment to Gibraltar by supporting a project that blends art, nature, and hope for all.
OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS
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