A selection of public art projects that the University have commissioned, hosted, or been involved with as a key partner over the last ten years.
Temporary commissions bring artists and community partners together to experiment with inter-disciplinary projects and collaborations with the University. Artist residencies, temporary installations or events are often focussed on exploring ideas, experiences and creative processes together.
Public art commissions of this nature are frequently managed by the Brigstow Institute, Cabot Institute for the Environment, the Theatre Collection and Public Engagement.
We are only able to feature a small number of the projects that have taken place. For further information or for information about a project that you cannot find listed here, please email: public-art@bristol.ac.uk.
Tom Marshman
Tom creates safe spaces where people can open up and share thoughts and memories. He works with communities to transform people’s thoughts and experiences into artistic experiences.
Tom Marshman
I went to a marvellous party (2019)
Emma Blake Morsi
Artist and multi-disciplinary producer Emma Blake Morsi was commissioned by the Cabot Institute for the Environment to create a series of billboards and posters, which were exhibited across Bristol in July 2021.
Emma Blake Morsi
Billboards and posters (2021)
Kilter Theatre
Kilter Theatre create immersive theatre productions and arts events to empower participants in ethics, society, the environment and the future.
Kilter Theatre
Invincible (2014), Futures (2019)
Maria Thereza Alvez
Seeds of Change: A Floating Ballast Seed Garden was a floating garden located on the harbour in Bristol between 2012-2017.
Maria Thereza Alvez
Seeds of Change (2012 – 2017)
Fandangoe Kid
Print artist Annie Nicholson, a.k.a. Fandangoe Kid, led a series of workshops with students to discuss notions of community and belonging.
Fandangoe Kid
Belonging and Home (2018)
Melanie Jackson
Artist Melanie Jackson carried out a residency with the University’s Stoke Bishop Public Art Programme in during the academic year 2012 to 2013.
Melanie Jackson
The Nexus: publication and event sculpture (2012-13)
Luke Jerram
Living in Bristol but working internationally for 20 years, Jerram has created extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe.
Luke Jerram
Mars (2021), Gaia (2019), The Impossible Garden (2018), Museum of the Moon (2017)
Cai Burton
A temporary mural, by Bristol artist Cai Burton, was installed at the University of Bristol’s Cantock Steps in September 2021 to mark the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis
Cai Burton
Together we will defeat Meningitis (2021)
Paul Hurley
For his artist residency, Paul Hurley worked with a variety of communities to explore the geographies, histories and possibilities of a new university campus within this inner city area of Bristol.
Paul Hurley
We Are Not A Single Species (2019)
Vanessa Kisuule
As part of her artist residency, Vanessa Kisuule devised a letter-writing project. Together with four collaborators she explored some of the key issues and opportunities in Bristol
Vanessa Kisuule
Brick Me (2019), Dear Bristol (2019)