The Art of Common Space is an ongoing programme of commissions, events and an international online network which aims to generate new thinking and influence the development of our common spaces through creative exploration.  The first phase of The Art of Common Space was developed between 2005 and realized in 2008-2009 in Gunpowder Park and at partner venues throughout Greater London.

Drawing on the historic term 'the commons', The Art of Common Space is an evolving initiative that looks at the basic premise of 'public' space and questions the current existence of a space which we can call 'common' - an essential space that through its use, facilitates the celebration and bringing together of individuals from the diverse cultures that constitute our modern society.

The Art of Common Space provides unique opportunities for artists, creative professionals and public realm specialists to explore new ideas for creative public realm development by considering the use and reality of our common and public spaces, as both physical and social sites.

The first phase of the programme between 2008 and 2009 was delivered through four main strands: Dialogues, Experience, Mapping and Research & Development.  The programme commissioned new work by artists Simon Faithfull, Rob Davis and Usman Haque, Pilot Publishing and Proboscis to explore the common space in our 21st Century multicultural society through experimental site specific projects at Gunpowder Park; and in collaboration with New York based organisations CivWorld and Demos, The Art of Common Space has produced a series of dialogues with international cultural, political and religious leaders.

Click on the circles below for more information on the programme >>