Launchpad Magazine Summer Issue 5 (Mobile)

THE ARTIST BEHIND THE MISSION At 41, BROOS is a father of three daugh- ters, a self-employed artist for the past seven years, and a former music producer. ough born in Amsterdam, he’s lived in Liverpool since he was three, and it's this city, with all its complexity, scars, and untapped beauty, that drives his current work. “I started the Beatles Trail in March,” he explains, “as a way to repay the people of Liverpool. During one of my lowest points, the local community helped me in quiet ways they’ll never even know. is is about giving back.” And while the name “Beatles Trail” might suggest another tourist-led pilgrimage to Fab Four hotspots, that’s only part of the story. In fact, it’s a Trojan horse. e real project is about community, connection, and healing. About restoring pride to overlooked streets. About telling stories from before the Beatles, forgotten legends, untold histories, overlooked spaces. It’s about social alchemy: turning decay into beauty, and passers-by into participants in something joyful. BROOS’s work blends cartoonish charm with a pop culture edge, but the values beneath are timeless: generosity, experi- mentation, civic pride, and emotional honesty. “I’m playing positive-sum games,” he says, describing the work as part urban regeneration, part emotional transmutation, part love letter to the city his daughters call home. Viral Attention, Local Impact So far, the trail has caught re online, but BROOS is quick to point out that likes don’t build infrastructure. While the world celebrates from afar, the real chal- lenge is boots on the ground: gathering the support and resources to push the trail

forward, to ensure its sustainability, and maximise its benet for local residents and businesses. He’s issued a call for donations via GoFundMe (gofundme.com/Beat- lesTrail), but equally welcomes oers of practical support, partnerships, and long-term collaboration. As of now, the entire project remains 100% voluntary. And yet, that might be its greatest strength: it’s proof of concept that doesn’t wait for permission. A creative force that works with the community, not just on it. A reminder that Liverpool’s next cultural renaissance won’t come from a strategy document—but from a street artist with a vision, a camera, and a belief in people. Support the Trail To contribute to BROOS’s vision and help grow the Beatles Trail into a citywide cele- bration of place, people, and pride, visit: GoFundMe.com/BeatlesTrail

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