Public art

Good public art enhances the quality, variety and richness of the built environment and public spaces. Whether it is through free standing pieces of art, or artworks integrated into buildings or other structures, art can enhance the experience of visiting public spaces and places. It can help create a sense of identity, provide landmarks to help find your way around and promote civic pride for residents, visitors and workers in the borough.

Public art strategy

The council has adopted a public art strategy and public art can be seen in many parts of Bracknell Forest. The strategy sets out our policies on public art. It provides guidance for developers about commissioning public art and information about the council's decision-making process.

For more information please contact the council's Urban Design Officer or your planning case officer.

Public art in Bracknell Forest

A number of public art commissions have taken place in Bracknell Forest over the last 50 years, starting with the development of the New Town.

The Gateway Project

In 2015, artists were invited to submit proposals for a new piece of public art at Bracknell’s transport hub. The Gateway Project was a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Council and South Hill Park Arts Centre to commission a piece of work for the regeneration of the town centre. The 5 shortlisted entries were voted on by the public, with the concept created by artist Samuel Zealey announced as the winner.

The winning piece named “Onyo” was installed in December 2018.

Earlier projects

Between 2009 and 2010 Eleanor King and Johanna White helped the council to find out more about public art in the borough whilst studying at the University of Reading.

In 2010, Angela Kingston from Artpoint used this information as a starting point to interpreting the following art works.

Other works in the borough include Richard Woods’ Floral Repeat No19, Esther Rolinson’s Air Wave and Nicky Hirst's Wild Blue Yonder.