Artists in Britain are redesigning St George's flags to celebrate diversity, countering a campaign where national flags have been flown from lamp-posts, homes, and painted on roundabouts. The initiative, called Everyone Welcome, was launched by arts events manager Cloe Gregson in Greater Manchester, where far-right groups have protested outside asylum hotels and posted locations of deployed flags on social media.
Gregson organised an open day for artists and the public to transform the flag into an emblem of inclusivity. The project gained traction on Skiddle and GoFundMe, with over 100 people and dozens of venues volunteering. 'We've had a pretty long history standing up for what's right in Manchester,' Gregson said, 'but I felt like I was driving around and I didn't recognise it as the Manchester I've grown up in.'
In York, the International Flagging Committee raised funds to hang international, regional, and rainbow flags on lamp-posts where St George's flags had been erected. A spokesperson said: 'Friends who aren't white have commented that they are starting to feel uncomfortable in the city – not because of the flags but because of the attitude that has come along with it.'
Artists like Freya Wysocki created inclusive designs, with her flag featuring hands and feet symbolising welcome and movement. Edward Meziani's flag, 'Built on immigration / Birds on Migration,' celebrated cultural contributions. The redesigned flags will be displayed in venues and streets later this month.
