Jonny Hanna's exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) featured pop-up shops and was an ode to markets of the past. Hannah hung large scale paintings from the lobby ceiling of YSP directing the public to his work. The pieces perfectly encapsulate Hannah's mad and textureful image and typography style. It was interesting to see an artist use the space beyond the designated exhibition room to show work and encourage more footfall.

London based illustrator, Adam Simpson was comissioned by Royal Mail in early 2025 to create some a set of 8 folklore stamps. Although not typically considered artwork in public spaces, special edition illustrated stamps act as a tiny piece of artwork that travels nationwide these ones, telling the story of famous myths and legends – from Beowulf to the Loch Ness Monster.The Royal Mail explain how the stamps'bring to life these fabled figures of folklore in' vibrant, enchanting detail.Whilst Simpson said that the commission enabled him to "demonstrate our rich mythological heritage".In an interview with BBC news, Adam said "It gave me the chance to be fully immersed in the world of these myths and legends. I hope that the stamps either start conversations or invite people to investigate the stories if they're not familiar with them."

National trust's Mottisfont House in Hampshire currently has an interactive children's trail in the theme of Eric Carl's 'the very hungry caterpillar' the trail includes larger cutouts of the fruit that the caterpillar eats over the duration of the week. like the book, the cutouts have holes which children can poke their heads through. As well as these, there is a trail map and activity sheet, interactive games in the stables, hanging elements, signpost's and headbands.

Jonny Hannah's, 2015 exhibition at Yorkshire sculpture park titled 'Main Street'.

What is it?
Artwork is always surrounding us, although we may not acknowledege it, its there. From exhibitions to marketing and even stamps artwork in public spaces encompases artwork that exists and travels through public places. These peices can be for asthetic purposes but also advertistmet, education architecture and many more. People typically think of 3D artwork such as statues or sculptures but this aspect if art us so broad and includes 2D and digital artworks.

Who makes it?
Its most common for freelance artists to be commissioned to design artworks. companies will ask artists who's style suits the commission to create work for them. For example designing a shop window display would require a local artist perhaps one that specialises in large scale 3D modelling and who has a skill-set that will enhance the appearance of the product. Artwork in public spaces is usually large scale (but not always) The artist may work collaboratively with other artist or a team organising the commission

Its really important for artists to consider the ethical implications of their artwork on social groups, minorities, cultures and the environment. For example a map for a children's trail would be produced in a high volume so its important that the artist considers using recycled paper, limited colour pallet to reduce printing time and double sided sheets to reduce waste. As well as this its important for artists to include minority groups in their work to make voices heard and bring them to the forfront of peoples attention.

materials and processes- its common for mass produced items like stamps or maps to be digitised before they are seen by the public. For example Adam

A smaller scale example of trails of programmes is Charlotte Hepburn who is the artist in residency for Hay festival 2026. Throughout this prestigious literary festival, Hepburn will be creating work that encapsulates what its like to be at Hay 2026. She has already designed the programme for the event (right) and her graphics will feature around the festival next month providing the festival with a strong visual identity.

Jordy Kerwick's Hydra vs Bear At YSP - 2023

Anna Bruder makes interactive workhops for children. The events pop up nationawide helping young children to engage in art in an accessible way. This is positive becasue children whi would otherwise not have acess to art are able to engage with it.

SEASONS an exhibition curated by Small Works showcased a variety of works celebrating nature changes throughout the year. The exhibition took place in Cambridge hospital in the Addensbrook's gallery and 25% of all profits from the purchase of artworks goes to CUH arts. This project empahssises the importancve of the realtionship ehtween art and healthcare and how non-perementant exhibitions like small works hcan have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Additionally, shortlisted for the world illustration awards, Daria Titova created a mural at Ulemisty city hospital. She said 'Through blooming hearts and tree-like nerves, the murals show the connection with nature, flowing, growing, and healing.' This mural in the waiting room acts as 'playful therapy for all ages' and shows the importance of healthcare and artwork acting together.