Art in the Public Realm

Art in the Open, hosted by Open House, is London’s first advocacy and advisory body for art in the public realm, launched in May 2007.

Art in the Open works at a strategic level embedding a more consistent and enlightened approach to public art policy and commissioning across London. It operates on both a large and a small scale, from influencing London-wide policy to providing strategic advice for key developments.

Art in the Open combines advocacy for the role of artists in the public realm with an understanding of the practical issues related to the built environment. It helps facilitate the involvement of artists and enables built environment stakeholders to examine how art can be part of public places. It responds to the needs of the different sectors involved including artists, architects and other design professionals; local authorities and regeneration agencies; property developers; London’s statutory bodies; and other commissioners from the public sector.

As a resource for stakeholders in London’s built environment, Art in the Open:

  • provides an independent perspective on commissioning in the capital
  • is a central point of advice and guidance informed by a knowledge of successful precedents
  • encourages debate and discussion about the role art and artists can play in the public realm.

Plans for future exploration of art in the public realm include:

  • Advising key stakeholders on art in public places such as the Olympic Development Authority and developers
  • Publishing commissioning guidelines and posting tenders for public art on the website
  • Mapping local authorities’ public art policies
  • Seminars for local authority planning councillors and officers
  • Workshops with agencies and artists involved in key regeneration projects including the London Thames Gateway
  • Forums for housing and regeneration professionals to explore ways to involve artists and creative teams in new housing developments

For more information please email Louise Trodden, Head, Art in the Open.

Among our other programmes, Open House London highlights a number of buildings and places where artists have made a vital contribution. These range from artist and architect collaborations and temporary hoardings to permanent installations and sound and text works. All offer insights into the role that art can play in regeneration and placemaking. Please visit our Open House London pages for updates.