The UKSPF
Southall Public Art Project

Coming soon: an artistic new look for Southall

Ealing Council is seeking to commission artists to deliver public artwork and art installations in Southall. Funding for this commission is derived from the Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The fund aims to improve pride in place, while increasing life chances, investing in communities, and supporting local business, people and skills.

Southall is situated in the south-west of the borough and comprises six wards: Lady Margaret, Dormers Wells, Southall Broadway, Southall West, Southall Green and Norwood Green. The area is home to approximately 80,500 people, which comprises 21% of the borough’s population, making it the borough’s second largest town. It is also among the most diverse areas in the UK, with 86% of Southall’s population identifying as non-white. Southall is a cultural destination of national importance and is a growing neighbourhood.

As part of The UKSPF Southall Public Art Project we have put together a short survey to hear your ideas, suggestions and feedback. Please visit the link below to complete the survey:

Click here to complete the survey

The Deadline for completion of the survey is 12pm on Friday 12th September

Thank you for taking part in our survey and if you have any questions, please email culture@ealing.gov.uk

Please visit www.ealingculture.org for the artist brief and details on how to apply

About this Project

We are inviting proposals to design, produce and install artwork across various locations in Southall as part of this unique and exciting project.
This is a transformative initiative that will deliver significant improvement to the visitor and resident experience, designed to promote Southall as a destination and celebrate its heritage and distinctiveness.

The project will explore its unique cultural offer through dynamic, immersive, educational and engaging public artworks.
We are seeking artists to work in collaboration with local stakeholders and artists to celebrate Southall, improve wayfinding, create legacy, break stereotypes, foster community engagement and enhance the appeal of public spaces.

Coming soon: an artistic new look for Southall

The UKSPF Southall Public Art Project Announcement

Southall will be bursting with colour and creativity this year, with 6 locations in the town set to be transformed with murals, striking sculptures and imaginative public art.

The Destination Southall public art project, led by Ealing Council and funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will celebrate Southall’s history, multicultural identity and community spirit whilst improving the look and feel of the areas chosen for the artwork.

Artists are already working with schools, community groups, creatives and residents in Southall to bring their ideas to life.

South Road bridge outside Southall Station will be made to look and feel much more welcoming to people arriving in the town. The design has not been finalised but will be representative of Southall’s community and celebrate local heritage.

Other locations include:

  • Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge (2 pieces of art)
  • Hayes Gateway Bridge, Southall Broadway
  • Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge
  • the courtyard of the Dominion Centre and Library
  • pavements and other community spaces

Artists were invited to submit their vision for bringing Southall’s story to life and how their plans will involve people living and working in the area in creating the art installations.

The 7 artists were selected by a panel made up council representatives and members of community groups including Southall Community Alliance, Southall Black Sisters, Southall Young Adult Centre, Open Southall and Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery.

Meet the artists and their vision

Haffendi Anuar will create a layered sculptural mural at the Dominion Centre and Library, inspired by shadow puppet theatre and shaped by local community ideas. The installation will include seating, offering a space for rest and reflection

Prem Sahib, who grew up in Southall, draws inspiration from cinema seating for a new work that evokes the area’s social spaces and cinematic history, connecting local histories to migrant communities. The council will engage with the community to decide where this artwork will be located.

TK Hay will reimagine Southall’s landmarks in miniature 3-dimensional models on Hayes Gateway Bridge

Pablo Thomas of BUHO Studios will transform the Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge into a public gallery, with 13 painted artworks, each telling the story of a key moment in Southall’s history, culture, and identity. The public will be able to watch animated versions of the tiles by scanning a QR code on the bridge

Gurdish Haugsdal, another artist with deep local roots, will create a mural on Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge, featuring painted portraits and stories of residents, celebrating migration and envisioning the future

Raj Dhunna will add illustrated portraits of notable residents, community leaders, and young people to the entrances of Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge, capturing the energy and warmth that defines Southall

Shirin Naveed will install functional street furniture inspired by the traditional Punjabi manji (a type of bed) outside 118-122 The Broadway, co-designed with residents to capture the sound and musical heritage of Southall

JG Contemporary Art, an Ealing based art studio has now been appointed to create a striking mural for the South Road Overbridge at Southall Station, the mural will reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of Southall.