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A group of Bristol-based artists have been selected to lead a new participatory public art project for the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.

Artists to deliver ‘industrial heritage’ art project for Bristol University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus

A group of Bristol-based artists have been selected to lead a new participatory public art project for the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.

The project, Charting Change, is a two-year commission which will explore the industrial histories of the site of the new campus alongside its technological futures.

It will focus on engagement and dialogue, working with local people and civic partners to co-develop a series of artworks and events over the two years, which in turn will inform the design of a permanent textile artwork in the main building at the new campus once it opens in 2026.

The commission is part of the TQEC public art programme led by the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy.

Visual and participatory artist Ellie Shipman has been appointed as the lead artist for the Charting Change commission.

Ellie is particularly interested in urban change, sustainability and women’s’ stories explored through textiles, sculpture and social practice.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this project bringing residents and researchers together on my own doorstep and leading a programme of creative events and activities to investigate these themes with the wider public,” said Ellie.

“Through this commission I want to explore what the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development represents: a global university with local civic ambitions; a changing city with a challenging past; a community with multiple identities and and an industrial heartland moving into an unknown future.”

Site visit with Fozia Ismail and Ayan Cilmi (dhaqan collective), Ellie Shipman, Jack Stiling

Site visit with Fozia Ismail and Ayan Cilmi of the Dhaqan collective, Ellie Shipman, Jack Stiling. Image courtesy of Beeston Media

Ellie has selected a team of fellow artists to collaborate with, including Bristol-based artist/inventor Jack Stiling, and Dhaqan Collective – a Somali feminist art collective led by Ayan Cilmi and Fozia Ismail which explores weaving, Somali cultural heritage and material sustainability.

Tom Sperlinger, academic lead for engagement at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, said ‘Charting Change is an opportunity for artists and local people to work with us to understand the rich histories of the Temple Quarter site, and to weave those stories into the fabric of the University’s presence in a new part of the city. It will help set the tone for a campus which will be a meeting point for expertise and experiences from across society.’

Opening in 2026, the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a thriving new facility for the University and city of Bristol. It will be an innovative, inclusive space for students, staff, industry and civic partners, bringing people together to co-create solutions to global challenges that impact our society.

Many spaces have been designed in consultation with the community, and collaborative facilities will expand our collective potential for mutual learning and knowledge exchange.

The new campus sits at the heart of the wider redevelopment of Bristol Temple Quarter, one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects.

Main image: The Craftsman by Jack Stiling

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