Matthew Ashton, VP of Design at the LEGO Group, has been teasing a new set for the last week or so on Twitter. … one different coloured 2×3 brick at a time.
Today the LEGO Group has unveiled set 40156: Everyone Is Awesome. This set features 11 various coloured stripes, along with a unique monochrome minifigure for every stripe, a celebration of individuality and inclusivity, love and acceptance.
The final model is relatively small, being a little over 10cm tall with a footprint of 22×16 studs. It has 346 pieces and has a recommended retail price of $AUD59.99 / €34.99 /£30.00 / $USD34.99 / $CAD44.49. It goes on sale through LEGO Branded stores and LEGO.com on June 1, 2021, commemorating the start of Pride Month.
The company has long espoused the virtues of diversity and inclusivity, particularly amongst its employees, but to express it in the form of an actual product is a huge statement to both the fan community as well as the community at large.
Alternatively, here’s a set with some really cool monochromatic minifigures as well as some elements in hard to find colours. It looks pretty.
The LEGO Group today announces LEGO® Everyone is Awesome a set designed to celebrate the diversity of our fans and the world around us. The buildable display model is inspired by the iconic rainbow flag which is used as a symbol of love and acceptance by the LGBTQIA+ community and features 11 monochrome minifigures each with its own individual hairstyle and rainbow colour.
Set designer Matthew Ashton, Vice President, Design said: “I wanted to create a model that symbolises inclusivity and celebrates everyone, no matter how they identify or who they love.
“Everyone is unique, and with a little more love, acceptance and understanding in the world, we can all feel more free to be our true AWESOME selves! This model shows that we care, and that we truly believe ‘Everyone is awesome’!”
The 346 piece stands 10.24cm tall and has a depth of 12.80cm – a perfect fit for most shelves or window sills. It goes on sale on June 1, to mark start of Pride Month, and will be available through LEGO.com and LEGO branded stores, with a recommended retail price of 34,99 EUR/USD.
Matthew said that the set was also a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community within the LEGO Group and amongst the brand’s adult fans.
“I am fortunate to be a part of a proud, supportive and passionate community of colleagues and fans. We share love for creativity and self-expression through LEGO bricks and this set is a way to show my gratitude for all the love and inspiration that is constantly shared.”
The LEGO Group is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. It partners with Workplace Pride, Stonewall and Open for Business to help shape strategies to support employees who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies across the company. It also supports UK-based charity, Diversity Role Models which works to educate children about inclusivity and empathy in order to build supportive and inclusive future generations.
For information about our LGBTQIA+ community visit www.LEGO.com/EveryoneisAwesome.
There is a lot to say about this set, from the message it sends, through to the fact that it included 11 monochromatic minifigures and several elements appearing in new colours. I’ll publish my review shortly.
I’d love to know what you think of this set: leave your comments below.
Until next time,
Play Well
