Live Aid Exhibition

The Brief: The objective was to design an immersive photographic exhibition for the National Library of Ireland, marking the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. The challenge was to transform the photographic archive into a dynamic spatial experience that captured the frantic, global energy of 13 July 1985. The design needed to guide visitors through a complex, real-time historical event while providing the necessary context for the humanitarian crisis that prompted the concerts.

The Creative Approach: The design system is a high-energy homage to mid-80s visual culture. We drew primary inspiration from the original Live Aid branding, the bold geometric forms of the Memphis Design movement, and the raw, DIY spirit of 80s zine culture. By combining an ‘analogue aesthetic’ with the neon vibrancy of early MTV, we created a space that feels like a physical manifestation of a 1980s broadcast.

The exhibition is structured around two converging timelines - London and Philadelphia - which mirror the simultaneous running orders of the Wembley and JFK Stadium concerts. An introductory section provides the essential context of the famine in Ethiopia and the origins of the movement, handled with sensitivity before the narrative transitions into the ‘Global Jukebox’. The experience culminates in a striking MTV-style animation that visualises the sheer scale of the event from a global perspective.

The Process: Sustainability was a core priority for this installation. To ensure a responsible design footprint, exhibition graphics were produced using sustainable and recyclable materials wherever possible. The design process involved balancing large-scale environmental typography with the need for clear sightlines to the photographic archive. This resulted in a rhythmic, pace-driven layout that echoes the non-stop nature of the broadcast, while allowing the historical introduction to sit as a distinct, reflective moment.

The Result: The result is a vibrant, high-contrast environment that successfully translates a historic musical milestone into a contemporary exhibition. Through the use of bold colour blocking, rhythmic typography, and bespoke motion design, the exhibition creates an immersive time capsule, celebrating the visual and cultural legacy of Live Aid for a new generation.