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Date updated: 12/12/2023

Applying to the City Arts Initiative

The City of London is home to an extensive range of artwork, from statues and memorials of great historic significance to contemporary pieces by some of the world's most renowned artists.                                                     

As part of our commitment to improving and enlivening the City's streetscape, we welcome applications to place high quality artwork on the City's streets. Read the guidance notes and weight guidelines to make sure your proposal is feasible and then complete the City Arts Initiative application form (PDF below). 

Submit the completed form, together with any supporting documentation, that you think might provide a useful context at least two weeks before the meeting you wish it to be considered at. If you would prefer a Word version of the application form and advice on your application and on submitting your application, email the public arts team.

The Highways team will assess the suitability of the structure and ensure that it will not restrict other activities (e.g. special events) that may take place at the desired location. Applicants will need to consult the District Surveyor team which has the final decision on what public art is permitted. Applicants should ensure there is at least 12 weeks to go through this process in order to receive preliminary approval from both the District Surveyor's team and the Highways team before any formal application is submitted to the City Arts Initiative.

As long as enough information has been provided, the application will be added to the agenda of the next meeting of the City Arts Initiative. The City Arts Initiative is an advisory group made up of Members, officers and other professionals whose role it is to consider new public art proposals for the City. The City Arts Initiative considers proposals on artistic and cultural merit.

City Arts Initiative meeting dates 2024

  • 8 February
  • 18 April
  • 6 June

In exceptional circumstances applications may be circulated to the CAI members by email if a quick response is needed. After the meeting, we will contact you to inform you of the outcome. We may ask for more information or the application may be rejected if it is not deemed appropriate. If it has been approved, your application will go to the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee to be ratified. The Committee's approval acts as an 'in principle' green light for the proposal.

Please note this does not mean your proposal is guaranteed to go ahead. You may need to apply for planning permission or licenses and there may be logistical issues to resolve.           

City Arts Initiative Weight Guidelines PDF (100KB)
Date submitted: 12/12/23
City Arts Initiative Application Form PDF (231KB)
Date submitted: 4/08/20