Creating Engaging and Inclusive Public Art with Curator & Artist Chantelle Purcell
Episode 97
21st April, 2025

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This week, I’m joined by Chantelle Purcell, curator, artist, and co-founder of Hive Curates, an organisation dedicated to arts and placemaking, public art commissions, and cultural programming across London. Chantelle’s career bridges grassroots artist-run initiatives with large-scale urban regeneration projects, and she also co-founded Otherlandz, a platform championing culturally diverse women artists.

In this episode, we explore Chantelle’s journey from early artist-led spaces to curating major public art projects. We discuss how she navigates the intersection of art, community, and city-making, and the role of care, inclusivity, and sustainability in her practice. She shares insights into securing funding, building meaningful collaborations, and creating spaces where artists and audiences alike feel empowered to engage.

What We Learned from Chantelle Purcell

  1. Grassroots creativity can scale
    Early experiences in artist-led spaces lay the foundation for larger projects without losing authenticity.
  2. Inclusivity is essential
    Creating spaces that champion diverse voices strengthens communities and enriches cultural outcomes.
  3. Care is a curatorial tool
    Thoughtfulness in programming and placemaking shapes experiences that empower both artists and audiences.
  4. Forge your own path
    Artists and curators don’t need permission—take initiative, build collectives, and create the opportunities you want to see.
  5. Legacy matters
    Public art can have lasting impact beyond the moment of its display, from commissioned work to sustainable creative ecosystems.
  6. Fearlessness drives growth
    Backing yourself, applying widely, and taking risks are vital for a creative career that makes a difference.
  7. Collaboration multiplies impact
    Meaningful partnerships, funding strategy, and community engagement are key to successful public art and placemaking.

Chantelle’s insights remind us that public art is not merely decorative—it can transform spaces, reclaim narratives, and strengthen communities. Her work demonstrates how vision, care, and courage combine to create opportunities that leave a lasting legacy. For anyone looking to shape public spaces, build creative networks, or pursue a fearless career in the arts, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance.

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