Sheeran’s splash paintings go on sale in London, raising funds for music education in UK schools

Ed Sheeran has stepped away from stadiums and streaming charts to unveil a more abstract side of himself—this time, not through music but through art. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter has launched a collection of paintings dubbed the Cosmic Carpark Paintings, with prints now selling for over £900 each in a bid to support music education across the UK.

The paintings, filled with splashes of colour reminiscent of Jackson Pollock, were created during Sheeran’s downtime after the Divide tour and between recording sessions. “I started painting at the end of my Divide Tour in 2019, and it’s something I’ve used as a creative outlet ever since,” Sheeran said. “When I was growing up, both of my parents worked in art, so I’ve always been naturally drawn to it.”

Now teaming up with Heni—an art company that represents Damien Hirst—Sheeran’s large-scale splash works are going on display at the Heni Gallery in London from 11 July to 1 August. Half of the profits will go to the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which champions access to music education in state schools and community programmes.

Sheeran described his creative process as therapeutic. “I’d run to a disused car park in Soho each morning, paint, then run home, and I’d do that daily until I headed back out on tour again,” he said. The result? Bright, chaotic works painted with household gloss that reflect “celestial patterns” and emotional energy.

Among the featured pieces is Unfolding Cosmos, a vivid canvas that mirrors the kind of visual dynamism seen in his musical performances. But critics have been divided. Art critic Jonathan Jones described Sheeran’s output as having “energy but no feeling or truth.”

Nonetheless, Sheeran has made clear that these works are not an ego project. The art is about accessibility and joy, and above all, making a difference. The proceeds from sales will help his foundation push for change in UK schools, where music education has seen a 21% drop in provision over the last decade.

Sheeran recently led an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for a £250 million investment in music education. Backed by industry heavyweights like Elton John, Coldplay, Harry Styles, Stormzy and Central Cee, the letter warned that the next generation of musicians is at risk due to cuts and neglect. “Last year was the first in over 20 years without a UK global Top 10 single or album,” Sheeran noted.

He emphasised that music must not become the preserve of the wealthy. “Music in and out of school should be for all, not a few,” the letter read. “The time to act is now.”

It’s not the first time Sheeran has used his artwork for good. In 2021, he raffled off a £40,000 painting to raise more than £50,000 for the Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. He’s also created artwork for several of his albums and singles, including Afterglow and Divide, the latter using Damien Hirst’s spinning wheel technique.

Speaking on Desert Island Discs in 2017, Sheeran recalled his father’s curatorial influence: “He has always said that art is meant for enjoyment. You don’t acquire art as an investment.”

With his Cosmic Carpark prints now hanging in London and his next album Play due this September, Sheeran is proving once again that creativity, in all its forms, is central to his identity—and his mission.