Augmented Reality Murals Share Personal Stories
Interactive murals celebrating the lives of people who have experienced homelessness are appearing in cities across the UK. The project, called "Beyond the Street," uses augmented reality (AR) to allow viewers to scan the murals with their smartphones and hear the personal stories of the individuals depicted. The first mural was unveiled in Manchester on 27 July 2026, with plans for installations in London, Birmingham, and Glasgow over the coming months.
Changing Perceptions Through Art
The initiative is a collaboration between the charity Homeless Link and the digital arts studio Marshmallow Laser Feast. According to Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, the project aims to "challenge the stereotypes and stigma that surround homelessness." He added: "These murals show that homelessness is not a defining characteristic; these are people with hopes, dreams, and rich histories." Each mural features a portrait of a person who has experienced homelessness, along with a QR code that triggers an AR experience, including audio narratives and animations.
Personal Stories Highlighted
One of the subjects, Sarah, 45, who was homeless for three years after fleeing domestic violence, said: "I want people to see that I am more than my past. This mural shows my love for gardening and my dog, Buddy." The project has been funded by a £500,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. A recent survey by YouGov found that 68% of UK adults admit to having negative assumptions about homeless people, a statistic the project hopes to change.
Expanding to Other Cities
The Manchester mural is located on a wall near Piccadilly Gardens, a common gathering spot for rough sleepers. The London mural will be installed in Camden in August, with Birmingham and Glasgow following in September. Each mural will remain in place for at least one year. The project also includes an online platform where users can explore all the stories and find resources to support homeless charities.
