This text is based on a presentation given by Mat Jenner to the WDCO board in May 2026
Something exciting is in the works for our estate — and this time, residents will be at the heart of it.
Plans are underway for a major new piece of public art to be installed in the new Civic Square at Woodberry Down. This is not just another piece of street furniture. It is a serious, high-quality commission with a budget of £300,000, designed to become a lasting landmark for our community.
What is it?
The project will deliver a permanent public artwork for the new Civic Square — a visible, centrepiece that reflects who we are and shapes how Woodberry Down looks and feels for years to come.
But it is about more than just the finished artwork. The process of making it matters just as much. The project has three parts:
- A permanent public artwork for the new Civic Square
- Community engagement to develop the artwork — so local people’s ideas, history and culture feed directly into what gets made
- A Community Commissioning Group — a paid, trained group of local residents who will lead the whole project
Who will be involved?
A specialist public art organisation (a not-for-profit with commissioning and community engagement expertise) will be brought in to manage and support the process. But the project will be led by residents.
The Community Commissioning Group will be made up of local people who will:
- Lead and support community engagement across the estate
- Guide the selection of the artist or artists
- Take part in research trips, studio visits, workshops and site visits
- Gain real technical and cultural skills along the way
- Build the potential to lead future Woodberry Down projects
A wider Steering Group of local stakeholders and representatives will also be involved, alongside an experienced and diverse artist (or group of artists).
What is the timeline?
The project is a long-term commitment. Here is how it is expected to unfold:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Tender opens for applications | September 2026 |
| Shortlisting | October–December 2026 |
| Lead organisation appointed | January 2027 |
| Project begins | February 2027 |
| Community Commissioning Group convened | June 2027 |
| Artist selected | June 2028 |
| Artwork installed | May 2030 |
| Project completed | June 2030 |
Part of a bigger picture
The public art commission sits alongside several other cultural projects being developed for Woodberry Down, including:
- The Woodberry Down Design Studio — working with young people at The Edge Youth Club on public realm design, including a pavilion redesign for Spring Park and Rowley Gardens
- Woodberry Down Culture Club — a community-led grants programme for cultural activity in spaces around the estate, being developed in partnership with Mill Co (Block D)
Similar projects for inspiration
Projects like this have been done successfully elsewhere. Examples include Was, Is, Will Be (2025) by Jasleen Kaur in Thamesmead, Fruits (2022) by Veronica Ryan and Warm Shores (2022) by Thomas J Price — both in Hackney — as well as community-led commissioning work through Curate Enfield, where 40 local citizen curators commissioned 40 artworks in 2024.
These show what is possible when communities take real ownership of public art.
What happens next?
The tender process opens in September 2026. We will share more information as the project develops — including how you can get involved in the Community Commissioning Group.
Watch this space. This is Woodberry Down’s artwork, made by and for the people who live here.
For more information about WDCO and what is happening on the estate, visit wdco.org.uk
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