smart x Create: Art Car Collaboration Celebrates the Power of Creativity

At Create, we know that creativity can change lives. It can spark confidence, bring people together, and provide a vital outlet for self-expression – especially for those who may not always have access to the arts.

That’s why we were so thrilled to collaborate with smart UK on a unique project that brings creativity into the spotlight – and onto the streets.

Earlier this year, with funding from smart, we delivered a series of visual art workshops in communities across the country. These sessions were part of a nationwide project exploring the theme ‘Open Your Mind’, inviting participants to reflect on what openness, imagination and self-expression mean to them.

Led by our professional artists, the workshops focused on painting, drawing and collage. Each participant – whether a young carer, disabled adult, or someone experiencing isolation – had the opportunity to create original artwork in a supportive, inclusive space. These creative moments were more than just artmaking; they were chances to be heard, to collaborate and to explore new possibilities.

“Create’s partnership with smart is a wonderful showcase of the power of creativity. It is fuelled by the creative output of people taking part in our workshops, who poured their talent and passion into creating the artwork covering the art cars.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create

Each individual piece was then carefully collated into a vibrant, large-scale collage—transformed into a bespoke vehicle wrap that now adorns the award-winning smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. The resulting ‘art cars’ are a bold celebration of individuality, collective creativity, and the positive impact of the arts.

This is more than just a visual collaboration – it’s a celebration of the communities we work with every day. People who are often overlooked or underserved by traditional arts opportunities were given the space, tools and encouragement to create something powerful. And now, their creativity will be seen by thousands.

“We’re proud to have partnered with Create to support this incredible work. Our smart x Create livery proudly demonstrates the value of artistic freedom and the power of creativity.”

Jason Allbutt, CEO of smart UK

The smart x Create art cars were on public display at CarFest South from 22–24 August 2025, offering a chance for visitors to see the final artworks up close and learn more about the story behind them.

The project stands as a moving example of what can happen when the private sector and the charity world come together with a shared purpose: to make creativity more accessible, more visible and more valued.

We are deeply grateful to smart UK for championing our mission, and to every participant who took part in the workshops and contributed their creative voice to this one-of-a-kind collaboration.