Support the project
This will be the largest collaborative art project in the UK co-curated with people with ME/CFS Long COVID giving voice and presence to those who are now absent from the everyday.
Our goals
Over the next two years we plan to…
Reach 150,000 people
From the UK’s M.E. and Long Covid communities and invite them to take part
(current estimate is 1.5 million)
Collect 1,000 messages
For people at the places they would go to if they could, and place every message at their locations on the interactive map
Visit 100 locations
Take the mirrorbox to message locations across the UK: mountaintops, football grounds, shopping centres and more
Engage 10,000 people
On this journey, people will see the mirrorbox, listen to messages, write postcards back and connect with those who are absent
Amplify absence
We will be loud. Engaging with regional, national press and social media during the mirrorbox’s journey.
Help us make it happen
We are looking for businesses and organisations whose human values mean they recognise the power of enabling connection and bringing people together. They are big thinkers and may want to do something a bit different for their team and the community.
This is an ambitious project. It amplifies absence. It’s disruptive. It’s fun. It makes people think and provides an opportunity for connection when loneliness and isolation are so prevalent in our society
We can offer talks, workshops and can explore team days and any way your business can help us get the mirrorbox to message locations (a helicopter may be needed for a few!)
We are seeking financial donations and sponsorship collaborations, in-kind donations from companies able to support the logistical challenges of moving the mirrorbox: if you would like to explore ways your business or organisation could support the project, please get in touch.
Project details
How is the project run?
I Would Be Here If I Could… has been developed by Alison Larkman, a Bristol-based artist living with life-altering M.E.
The project is operated through Invisible Visible CIC (company number 15705730), a not-for-profit company.
What has happened so far?
The first phase of the project gathered messages from people with M.E. and Long Covid. We have established relationships with all of the major UK M.E. and Long Covid charities as well as some NHS Trusts
The mirrorbox has been built and is currently being tested and the journey planned.
What funding is required?
Funding will be needed to:
- Transport, staff and manage the mirrorbox on each leg of its journey
- Publicise the mirrorbox as it travels across the UK
- Open the interactive map to hundreds more contributors
- Send postcards back to the contributors from each location
- Make biodegradable QR codes that can be left at each location the mirrorbox stops on the journey. Enabling visitors who miss the mirrorbox to be able hear the relevant message for a further period of time.
- Generate British Sign Language interpretations of every message so that they are more accessible
- Support the mirrorbox launch event during World M.E. Week in May 2025
What funding has been received so far?
Project creator, Alison Larkman, has received two grants from Arts Council England. The project has also received individual donations. It is currently fundraising through grants and funds as well as approaching businesses
The charity Action for M.E. has provided expert advice on fundraising, while three other charities – Long Covid SOS, Long Covid Support and 25% M.E. Group – are helping to promote and support the project.