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
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.