Katapult, the international guest experience design agency, has announced the launch of the 2024 Helping Hands initiative, which supports visitor attractions, charities and community interest groups in the leisure industry to achieve their project objectives.
The scheme has been running for six years, and once again the firm will be awarding £10,000 of support to a visitor attraction for a project to improve sustainability and social impact. Applications are now open.
Robbie Jones, insights director, says: “I’m thrilled to be leading the search for our next Helping Hands Project. Over the last six years, we’ve managed to make a huge difference to the organisations we have donated our £10,000 worth of support to. This year, we’re excited to hear from anyone within the industry who is looking to improve their sustainability and social impact, through new experiences and new destinations.”
Katapult is the first themed attraction design firm in the world to receive the prestigious B Corp Certification for its high standards of social and environmental impact.
The firm is committed to championing sustainable projects and collaborating with like-minded organisations. With these partnerships, they aim to produce creative and disruptive experiences that amplify the subjects of sustainability and social impact within the industry.
Since 2018, Katapult has collaborated with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national museums, schools, and community interest groups to complete their projects. In addition, over 3,000 schoolchildren have taken part in its Theme Park Designer competition which aims to inspire participants to pursue careers in the leisure and entertainment sector.
Applications now open
Katapult is inviting submissions for the Helping Hands 2024 Award and a wide range of organisations are eligible to apply. These include organisations located across Europe, visitor attractions and organisations, charities, community interest groups, theme parks and resorts, museums, heritage and other attractions.
Applications can be submitted for projects such as the development of experiences that embed sustainability at their core, community-based leisure destinations, projects that celebrate the diversity of people, creatures and habitats, and the creation of experiences for all ages that are inspired by nature.
The project can make use of any of the firm’s in-house expertise, up to a total of £10,000. This includes insights and strategy, master planning, concept design, and executive production. The prize does not include any additional expenditures associated with designing, building, or installing the experience/attraction.
The winning project will be selected by Katapult’s internal judging team and announced at greenloop in April 2024.
Organisations can find full details and the 10-question application form here.
Last year, Katapult exhibited at IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna where it showcased its themed resort design expertise. The firm has more than a decade of experience working on new-build and existing themed resort projects, bringing an unforgettable visitor experience to destinations across the world.
