What is the public art project about?

 

Shinfield Parish Council is commissioning a new public art sculpture to be installed adjacent to the School Green Centre, the flagship community building in the parish. The sculpture will form a focal point within a new public plaza that will connect the Centre with local amenities such as Lidl and Shinfield Medical Centre.

 

​Why is this sculpture being commissioned?

 

The highly successful Art Exhibition held at the School Green Centre in February 2025 and comments received by the council show there is a strong interest within the parish. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance public spaces and celebrate Shinfield’s identity. It will:

 

• Create a landmark that will reflect the heritage and/or future aspirations of the parish, its geography, and the diversity of its residents.

• Foster community pride and wellbeing.

• Encourage community engagement with art and culture and help make our parish an interesting place to live.

• This is the next piece on the puzzle for our Arts & Culture plans following the cinema facility in School Green Centre (which will soon also be showing recordings of National Theatre performances).

 

Where will the sculpture be located?

 

The sculpture will be placed in a prime position next to the café patio of the School Green Centre, within the planned public plaza. This location was chosen for its visibility and symbolic importance at the heart of the parish. Its location will mean that it is accessible for all.

 

​What will the sculpture look like?

 

We are excited by the fact that we have given artists a wide remit for their potential designs. The final design will be selected through a process that will include opportunities for the public to comment on the designs. Artists are encouraged to submit original designs that:

 

• Are appropriate in scale, colour, and materials.

• Reflect one or more aspect of the parish of Shinfield

• Are robust, sustainable, and visually impactful even at night (e.g. using solar-powered lighting).

 

How can the public get involved?

 

Public input is central to the project. Residents will be invited to:

 

1. Vote on preferred styles and themes to guide our short list selections.

2. Participate in community engagement activities led by shortlisted artists.

3. Share feedback during the design and planning stages 

 

Who is involved in the selection process?

 

The project is managed by Shinfield Parish Council’s Public Art Working Party, reporting to the Arts, Culture and Events Committee. Arts4Wokingham (who successfully led the project to find a new piece of art in Wokingham) are advising on artist selection and installation. The selection panels will include representatives from SPC, Arts4Wokingham and the public. If you would like to be considered for the selection panel, please let us know.

 

Will there be community events linked to this project?

 

Yes, we will be running a consultation on the proposals from the short-listed artists and the winning artists will be expected to be available for community events during 2026 and in the run up to the unveiling in May 2027.

 

​How will this be paid for?

 

Shinfield Parish Council has agreed to underwrite the project if required. We already have 20% of the total from developers’ contributions for public art in the new plaza and the proceeds from the Art Exhibition in February. We will be launching a fundraising campaign and submitting grant applications for the remainder of the funding.  

 

As a council we have invested heavily in new buildings and plan to do more on sports facilities, so we feel that this is a modest investment in arts and culture for the parish.

 

Can I sponsor this project and be recognised in a plaque and similar?

 

All contributions will be welcomed and the design brief for artists includes a requirement to incorporate recognising these contributions in or adjacent to the finished artwork. Check back for more information on the fundraising projects when we launch that campaign.

 

Will there be community events linked to this project?

 

Yes, we will be running consultation on the proposals from the short-listed artists and the winning artists will be expected to be available for community events during 2026 and in the run up to the unveiling in May 2027.

 

What is the timeline?

 

• August 2025: Launch of the public art competition.

• October 2025: Deadline for expressions of interest.

• November 2025: Shortlisting and public engagement.

• March 2026: Selection of winning design.

• 2026–2027: Creation of winning design.

• May 2027: Planned unveiling of the sculpture. 

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