We Believe

Project:We Believe – A Portsmouth Creates Commission Location: Portsmouth, UK

Year: July 2020

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Portsmouth Creates launched the We Believe project—an artistic response to a moment in time that reshaped our world. Designed to honour the unsung heroes of the community, the initiative commissioned local artists to capture stories of resilience, unity, and hope.

Mr Dot, was chosen for this powerful campaign. His striking piece—crafted in vibrant, colour-coded braille dots —visually and tactilely spells out a message of belief and gratitude, running through a spectrum of red to violet. This rainbow not only symbolises unity and diversity but serves as a tribute to those who quietly supported others through the pandemic—from care workers and delivery drivers to neighbours and volunteers.

Created in Mr Dot’s unique visual language of braille, the artwork invites both sighted and blind audiences to explore meaning through touch and colour. Each dot is more than paint—it’s a point of connection. The art work was turned into a poster as part of a trail around the city of Portsmouth

“As someone who navigates the world differently,
I wanted to honour those who helped others feel seen,
heard, and safe when it mattered most.”
– Clarke Reynolds

The project was featured in The Portsmouth News in July 2020 and has since stood as a symbol of Portsmouth’s collective belief in each other—and in the power of creativity to heal and uplift