Block and Avivo unveil The Support Project: bringing real human connections to life

Block has partnered with Avivo, a NFP community services organisation that delivers individualised support to West Australians, to launch The Support Project. This initiative redefines traditional notions of heroism by celebrating the everyday, yet profound, relationships between support workers and their customers.

In a society where monuments often glorify historical (and over-whelmingly paternal) figures such as explorers, politicians, and military leaders, The Support Project shifts the focus to the “un-heroes” who make a significant difference through small, meaningful, daily connections. The project features life-sized sculptural “relationship portraits” designed by Block’s Co-Founder & Creative Strategy Director, Mark Braddock. These unique sculptures consist of two intersecting metal planes, each bearing a meticulously cut-out silhouette of a support worker and customer. Together, these planes form a self-supporting structure, symbolising the mutual support that defines these vital relationships.

“The design of these sculptures intentionally reflects the interdependence that is at the core of these essential human connections,” said Braddock. “We wanted to create something that honours not only the support workers but also the people they support, highlighting that these relationships are based on professional partnerships, not charity.”

The sculptures are being installed in public spaces across Western Australia. They serve as powerful catalysts for conversation, sparking discussions about the value of support work and the importance of recognising these often-overlooked “un-heroes.” As viewers walk around the installations, the portraits appear to merge and separate, echoing the dynamic and evolving nature of human connections. This visual metaphor serves as a poignant reminder that heroism is not confined to grand gestures but is often found in the quiet, everyday acts of care, support, and mutual respect.

“The Support Project gives us the potential to be present in public spaces where conversations about what truly matters in society can take place,” said Natalie Green, Avivo’s Communication and Engagement Lead. “It’s not just about celebrating these relationships, but also about challenging the stereotypes surrounding support work and the community services sector.”

Accompanying the sculptures are short video documentaries that capture the personal stories behind the artworks, extending the project’s reach through social media and providing a deeper emotional connection for a wider audience.

The Support Project encourages a shift in focus from celebrated historical figures to the everyday connections that build stronger, more compassionate communities. This initiative not only honours these relationships but also aims to raise public awareness of the critical role support workers play in our society.

“The trust Natalie and her team placed in us to deliver a big idea on a limited budget made The Support Project what it is. It was a true partnership that resulted in a piece that defies easy categorisation. It is a rare thing to work on something that is both personally and professionally uplifting. Experiencing Kenny’s reaction on first seeing his sculpture is a moment that will live with me for a long time – all of the subjects are extraordinary in their own ways, and they deserve to have their stories told. Hopefully, this is just the beginning. There are so many more of these stories I would love the opportunity to tell.”

So far, The Support Project has appeared in Kings Park, Crown Towers and Fremantle’s Walyalup Civic Centre, with plans being finalised for a metropolitan and regional ‘tour’.

In addition to Avivo, Block has been engaged in significant strategic and creative projects for a series of purpose-led community organisations including, Good Sammy Enterprises, Southern Cross Care, Ear Science Institute Australia and Centercare.

Credits
Client: Avivo
Communication and Engagement Lead: Natalie Green
Senior Designer: Alicia Riley
Digital Engagement: Alyssa Mikhail
Agency: Block
Co-Founder & CEO: Tanya Sim
Co-Founder & Creative Strategy Director: Mark Braddock
Client Services Director: Melissa Mailey
Account Manager: Katie Hauth
Creative Directors: David Storey, Mark Braddock
Senior Creative: Jack McAuliffe
Creative: Cameron Cruz
Art: @bybraddock
Fabricator: Artcom
Videographer: Dean Butler, Alucinor Productions
Post-production: Sandbox
Sound: Soundbyte