We are committed to continued support for arts and culture, which includes public art.

Public Art Manifesto

In March 2022, we published a Public Art Manifesto [PDF, 3MB].

This is a public declaration of the city’s intentions for developing public art and demonstrates our commitment to deliver new public art and to support best practice when commissioning it.

Public Art Commissioning Programme

Following the approval of a Public Art Manifesto in March 2022, a Public Art Commissioning Programme was developed in March 2024. 

This set out a package of future S106-funded projects in Cambridge, which would help the relevant time-limited public art developer contributions to be used effectively and on time. It featured new proposals for public art commissions.

Public Art Supplementary Planning Document

Our approach to public art is based on our Public Art Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Its strategic objectives emphasise:

• high quality public art in Cambridge which inspires people
• the role of artists in the design process
• engaging local people in the development of public art
• reinforcing local distinctiveness and cultural identity

Since the adoption of the SPD in 2010, new regulations governing S106 developer contributions have come. As a result, we no longer seek new S106 contributions for off-site public art projects.

Instead, the provision and maintenance of on-site public art for new developments can be secured via planning conditions.

Why public art in Cambridge

A review by Arts Council England concluded that the arts and culture boost the economy.

They do this by attracting visitors, creating jobs and developing skills, attracting and retaining business, revitalising places, and developing towns. It also noted the positive impact on health and wellbeing, and contribution to social capital and community cohesion.

Public art can inform the quality of built and landscape developments and contribute to places of distinction and character.

We recognise this in our planning policies relating to creating successful, high quality, attractive environments.

Photos of public art in Cambridge

If you’re aware of any art on public land that isn’t already in our catalogue, let us know about it.

If you can, tell us the following and send us a few photos:

• name or a description
• location
• artist’s name
• installation date

It’s fine if you do not know all these details – pass on what you can and we’ll try to find out the rest.