A Tongue-in-Cheek Peek: Creative Waves Art Installation on Worthing Pier
Sometimes, the best way to connect with people is through creativity — especially when you can do it with a smile.
In 2025, Priavo partnered with Creative Waves, a local community arts organisation, to commission a multi-panel artwork that brings a playful, tongue-in-cheek twist to the world of security. The colourful installation now forms part of Art on the Pier, a long-running outdoor exhibition that transforms Worthing Pier into a vibrant open-air gallery visited by thousands every year.
Creative Waves has been at the heart of Worthing’s public art scene for more than a decade, producing projects that celebrate the town’s personality while showcasing the work of local artists, schools, and community groups. Their mission — to make art accessible, joyful, and inclusive — aligns beautifully with Priavo’s values of collaboration, connection, and community impact.
For this project, we wanted to explore security from a lighter perspective — blending professionalism with playfulness. The resulting piece is a series of four illustrated panels featuring a humorous seaside take on the world of protection and surveillance. Think secret agents in suits standing knee-deep in the surf, a seagull paparazzo mid-swoop with a stolen chip, and holidaymakers blending relaxation with high alert — all rendered in bold colour and unmistakable British seaside charm.
The artwork invites passers-by to quite literally step into the picture: several panels feature cut-out face holes, encouraging visitors to take photos and become part of the story. It’s an interactive installation that’s as much about laughter and participation as it is about art.
Behind the humour, though, lies something thoughtful. Security, at its core, is about people — about creating space for safety, freedom and fun. This project celebrates that balance: taking a serious subject and presenting it with warmth, colour and community spirit.
When the panels were unveiled, Worthing Pier was bustling with families, visitors and locals stopping to smile, pose, and share photos. For us, that was exactly the goal — to add something lasting and uplifting to a place we care about, while showcasing how creativity can reframe even the most professional of industries.
Our collaboration with Creative Waves turned the idea of “security” on its head — transforming it into something playful, human, and full of character. The Worthing Pier installation offers a light-hearted look at our world while celebrating the creativity and community that make it all possible.
Visit Worthing Pier to explore the Creative Waves Art on the Pier exhibition, featuring our Security-Themed Installation. Learn more about Creative Waves and their incredible community projects at www.creativewaves.co.uk. Every project they produce helps turn public spaces into creative, welcoming places that bring people together — and sometimes, make them laugh along the way.