London updates: Mayoral policy and art in the public realm

Mayoral draft policy now acknowledges the role that art in the public realm can play in enriching the city. The Cultural Strategy was published at the end of 2010 and includes a detailed chapter on the public realm. It states:

'There is a strong connection between London's physical environment and its cultural offer ... One of the most obvious and high profile ways in which arts and public realm come together is through public art which has the power to add lustre, harmony, intrigue or drama to London's public spaces.' (for more details, see chapter 4, particularly policy action 4.5)

The draft replacement London Plan (DRLP), published in October 2009, is the main mechanism for implementing the Mayor’s vision for the built environment and as such, plays a significant role in ensuring that culture plays a strategic part in London’s future. It also references art in the public realm for the first time, and states the importance of creating a

‘city that delights the senses and takes care over its buildings and streets, having the best of modern architecture while also making the most of London’s built heritage'.

For more see the GLA website under Cultural Strategy and draft replacement London Plan and our influencing policy page.