Public Art
What is Public Art and why it's important
Public art is best defined as the principle of involving artists in the conception, development, and transformation of the public realm.
The Council’s vision for public art is to deliver a sustainable, innovative, and distinctive public art programme which celebrates the Borough’s diverse culture, heritage and biodiversity, engages its communities and brings about a renewed sense of pride and ownership.
Public art commissions can be temporary or permanent, internal or external; they can be stand-alone features or integrated into the environment. They can include temporary events and performances. Artists can deliver public art projects in many ways including as part of development teams, alongside architects, engineers and designers, and undertaking residencies based in particular locations or with community groups.
Our Public Art Strategy and the work surrounding it, enables us to justify seeking public art contributions from developers.
- We have one of the strongest public art programmes in Hampshire.
- Over recent years, we have negotiated significant funds that can be spent on public art projects.
- Because public art outcomes are diverse and the process of creating public art has proven community benefits, projects can be designed to meet specific needs of a community development and /or local area.
What are the benefits of public art?
Public art, including the processes of its creation, contributes to social, economic and cultural value leading to strong, vibrant and healthy communities.
Public art has the capacity to increase physical and mental wellbeing and this extends from the process of developing the artwork to the completed work itself.
Public art is integral to regeneration and is recognised as a high-visibility indicator of confidence in the future of an area, thus acting as a catalyst for inward investment.
The development of public art creates opportunities to:
- Connect with people; raise awareness, engage or consult with communities about relevant themes and/or key issues
- Create a sense of ownership over public spaces and foster a pride founded in the recognition that individuals have made a contribution to their environment
- Increase community engagement through activity and interaction
- Increase economic growth through investment and tourism
- Contribute to learning and education
- Increase the potential value and status of developments
- Provide employment for the creative sector.
Visit our Public Art Policies page for the current Public Art Strategy and accompanying documents.
How are artists selected?
Our Public Art Officer manages the delivery of public art projects on behalf of the Council by working with local stakeholders to appoint artists for commissions.
Artists are appointed by one of three selection processes:
- open submission with opportunities advertised nationally or internationally
- limited competition by invitation to a small number of recommended artists
- direct invitation to a specific artist - only to be used in special circumstances.
Open submission opportunities are promoted on the Council’s website and in the Borough News e-newsletter, as well as online listings including Arts Council England’s Arts Jobs, Visual Arts South West, CVAN South East and the CHAOS Network.
Artists can introduce their work to Vickie Fear, the Public Art Officer by emailing links to their website and/or social media pages to [email protected]
Please do not send large file attachments.