Co-Creating Public Space: How Can We Thrive?

Informed by notions of care and principles underpinning alternative economies, the conference looked at how creative practice can build collectivity by sharing resources, values and opportunities in equitable ways. Curated by UP Projects and presented in partnership with John Hansard Gallery, the conference was part of Co-Creating Public Space, led by John Hansard Gallery and supported by Arts Council England.

The conference featured range of UK-based and international public art practitioners whose socially engaged practice and methods of co-creation explore how art can help communities reimagine new futures. The one-day event presented a series of inspiring case studies that demonstrated the value of working in socially engaged ways, exploring pertinent questions in relation to socially engaged practice to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between artists, curators, communities and commissioners.

A reader was developed as part of the conference. To view a full schedule of the activities that happened during the day, please click here.

Co-Creating Public Space: How can we thrive? is part of Constellations 2023. The programme also includes a series of online Constellations ° Assemblies, open to all artists, curators, practitioners, commissioners, and those working across public art, social practice and regeneration.

Alongside the events, the Constellations ° Cohort, a selected group of artists, curators, producers, and practitioners operating in the expanded field of public art, will take part in a programme of free learning and development opportunities.

Constellations 2023 is curated by UP Projects in partnership with Flat Time House and in association with Liverpool Biennial. Constellations 2023 includes the Co-Creating Public Space: How can we thrive? conference realised in partnership with John Hansard Gallery. Constellations 2023 is generously supported by Arts Council England, the Barrington Hibbert Associates Access Fund, and the Constellations Patrons.