Bringing Bristol Together Through Art: The Big Issue and BillyChip Mural by Art Sync

Bristol’s latest mural isn’t just a work of art, it’s a message of hope. Created in partnership with BillyChip and Big Issue, this 19-metre piece celebrates creativity, community, and compassion on the streets of Stokes Croft.

This project began with a bold idea: to offer a Bristol-based charity a free mural marketing campaign. We wanted to raise awareness for a meaningful cause while testing how mural marketing could drive real-world impact.

The idea first came about over six months ago, but at the time we didn’t have the funding or wall space to make it happen. As Art Sync has grown, we’ve built new partnerships and secured the support needed to bring this idea to life. Thanks to funding from the Venture Ready Awards and the support of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC), we were finally able to make it a reality.

Why We Chose BillyChip

We chose BillyChip because their innovative model really resonated with us. The charity allows people to donate directly to those experiencing homelessness using a secure, redeemable token, making generosity easier, more personal, and stigma-free.

As a Bristol-based social enterprise, BillyChip perfectly aligns with our mission to support local initiatives and contribute to the city’s creative and social ecosystem.

It was a pleasure meeting Jack Gascoigne, one of the Directors of BillyChip, who told us about their recent collaborations with Big Issue and DJ James Hype. We immediately felt that a mural would be the perfect way to amplify awareness of their positive work.

Connecting Causes: Big Issue, BillyChip, James Hype, and Help Bristol’s Homeless

After speaking with Jack, we decided to highlight two major initiatives:

1. BillyChip’s new partnership with Big Issue, allowing vendors to accept BillyChips as payment for magazines in Bristol.

2. The upcoming fundraiser with DJ James Hype, supporting Help Bristol’s Homeless in building micro homes.

Catherine Parsons, Managing Director at Big Issue, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the iconic red Big Issue tabard made vivid and larger than life by the talented artists curated by Art Sync.”

From Concept to Wall: Planning the Mural

We had just five weeks to plan, design, and install a 19-metre mural. An ambitious timeline that required precision, teamwork, and flexibility. We wanted the mural completed a month before the fundraiser to help build public excitement and visibility.

Design decisions had to be made quickly, and we built flexibility into the creative strategy to keep things moving efficiently.

We split the wall into four sections, allowing four artists to contribute their own unique style while maintaining a cohesive narrative. Each artist was selected for their talent, reliability, and connection to Bristol’s creative culture.

Meet the Artists

The four artists we brought together were AimesWasHere, Melo, Jody, and Conrico.

• AimesWasHere brought authentic street art energy, rooted in the graffiti heritage of Stokes Croft.

• Melo’s bold colours and expressive shapes made her section warm and inviting.

• Jody added depth and realism, showcasing his world-class talent and experience.

• Conrico contributed his iconic nature-inspired style, bringing reliability, flexibility, and artistry to the team.

Each artist brought something completely different, together creating a visual story that reflected the diversity and collaboration at the heart of this project.

Design Themes and Meaning

Each section of the mural represented a different part of the story:

Big Issue: celebrating their deep connection with Bristol’s streets and symbolising their partnership with BillyChip - Created by AimesWasHere

BillyChip: showing a person exchanging a chip for a coffee, highlighting the charity’s core mission. - Created by Melo

James Hype: featuring a striking portrait based on photography from his Big Issue feature, representing his involvement in the fundraiser. - Created by Jody

Help Bristol’s Homeless: depicting the micro homes that the fundraiser supports, showing the tangible results of community collaboration. - Created by Conrico

Azul Amos, co-founder of Art Sync, said:

“It means a lot to be able to use our platform to spotlight causes that make a real difference. We’ve always believed art should inspire and connect people, this is our way of putting that belief into action.”

Funding and Community Support

Because of the scale of this project, our budget went beyond initial estimates. We wanted to create something truly impactful, so Art Sync increased its contribution to £1,000 and waived its fee entirely.

The artists also generously reduced their rates, showing true commitment to the cause. PRSC supported the project by helping source equipment, offering discounted wall space, and providing hands-on help during the install. BillyChip stepped in to contribute the remaining £500, ensuring the project could move forward.

As Jack Gascoigne, Communications Director at BillyChip, said:

“Seeing these partnerships come together, from Big Issue to Art Sync and DJ James Hype, shows how collaboration can make a real difference for those who need it most.”

Media Coverage and Public Response

To maximise awareness, Art Sync prepared and distributed a detailed press release and media invite, collaborating closely with both BillyChip and Big Issue to ensure consistent communication.

Our efforts paid off,  the mural was covered by local press, and BBC Bristol attended the installation day. BillyChip’s PR team also supported media outreach, helping the story reach a wider audience and generating strong engagement online.

Challenges on the Day

Of course, no mural comes without its challenges. On installation day, the weather had other plans, heavy rain and wind tested our patience and preparation.

Art Sync prepared in advance to protect the site, preparing covers, umbrellas, and clear communication plans with artists. Fortunately, the weather cleared later in the day, along with a few rainbows to mark the occasion.

Despite the hurdles, the team’s commitment never wavered, and the finished mural stood as a symbol of resilience and collaboration.

Impact

The mural sparked an incredible response both online and in person.

• Social media engagement: Photos and videos shared by Art Sync, BillyChip, and the artists collectively reached thousands of people, with strong engagement across Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Public conversations: Throughout the installation, passersby stopped to ask questions, take photos, and share stories about how they’d seen BillyChip’s work in action, turning the wall into a space for meaningful dialogue.

• Media coverage: BBC Bristol’s attendance helped amplify the story, while press releases distributed reached even further.

• QR code engagement: The QR code integrated into the mural received a strong response, directing visitors to learn more about BillyChip’s initiatives and upcoming fundraiser.

These outcomes demonstrated how powerful visual storytelling can be in raising awareness, building community connection, and inspiring action.

Gratitude and Reflection

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Jack Gascoigne from BillyChip, who showed trust, enthusiasm, and great communication throughout.

A huge thank you to our artists: AimesWasHere, Melo, Jody, and Conrico for their dedication, flexibility, and skill.

And thank you to PRSC, Big Issue, and Help Bristol’s Homeless for making this project more than just a mural. It’s a message of hope, creativity, and collective impact.

Final Thoughts

Projects like this remind us why we founded Art Sync, to use art as a tool for connection, storytelling, and community action. Watching people stop to take photos, ask questions, and learn about BillyChip’s mission showed the true power of art in public spaces.

If your organisation wants to tell its story through a mural, get in touch with Art Sync. Together, we can turn your message into something unforgettable.