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Art in the public realm
Art in the public realm embraces a wide range of art forms – from permanent site-specific sculptures and the shaping of our environment, to temporary installations or interventions that excite and challenge our perceptions of our environments. Art has a part to play in the successful regeneration of communities and helps encourage local people to embrace new ideas and skills, to develop a sense of ownership and belonging, and make decisions about their locality.
We believe that encouraging artists to work alongside other professionals and designers can bring an extra dimension of thought, research, sensibility and understanding to the design of public places and the way people experience them.
Our support for art in the public realm initiatives as part of the continuing regeneration of Greenwich Peninsula in London is an excellent example. In February 2008, Peninsula Square – itself completed in 2007 and already a popular community space – became host to ‘Births, Chimneys and Lightermen – Collecting Greenwich Peninsula’, by artist Julian Walker.
This meticulous collection of over 1,500 artefacts and texts captured the social, historical and geographical landscape of the Peninsula. Response to the artwork has been extremely positive, with 91 per cent of those surveyed saying that they would like more art on the Peninsula, and 84 per cent stating that the artwork made them more aware of Greenwich Peninsula as a place with a history and a future.
To showcase art in the public realm at Greenwich Peninsula, the Art in the Public Realm Greenwich Peninsula website was launched, enabling members of the public to explore the programme in more detail.
Greenwich Peninsula, London page
© English Partnerships 2003-2008