Southall will be bursting with colour and creativity this year as 6 locations in the town are set to be transformed with murals, striking sculptures and imaginative public art.
The Destination Southall public art project, led by Ealing Council and funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will celebrate Southall’s history, multicultural identity and community spirit whilst improving the look and feel of the areas chosen for the artwork.
Artists are already working with schools, community groups, creatives and residents in Southall to bring their ideas to life.
South Road bridge outside Southall Station will be made to look and feel much more welcoming to people arriving in the town. The design has not been finalised but will be representative of Southall’s community and celebrate local heritage.
Other locations include:
- Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge (2 pieces of art)
- Hayes Gateway Bridge, Southall Broadway
- Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge
- the courtyard of the Dominion Centre and Library
- pavements and other community spaces
Artists were invited to submit their vision for bringing Southall’s story to life and how their plans will involve people living and working in the area in creating the art installations.
The 7 artists were selected by a panel made up council representatives and members of community groups including Southall Community Alliance, Southall Black Sisters, Southall Young Adult Centre, Open Southall and Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery.
Meet the artists and their vision
Haffendi Anuar will create a layered sculptural mural at the Dominion Centre and Library, inspired by shadow puppet theatre and shaped by local community ideas. The installation will include seating, offering a space for rest and reflection
Prem Sahib, who grew up in Southall, draws inspiration from cinema seating for a new work that evokes the area’s social spaces and cinematic history, connecting local histories to migrant communities. The council will engage with the community to decide where this artwork will be located.
TK Hay will reimagine Southall’s landmarks in miniature 3-dimensional models on Hayes Gateway Bridge
Pablo Thomas of BUHO Studios will transform the Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge into a public gallery, with 13 painted artworks, each telling the story of a key moment in Southall’s history, culture, and identity. The public will be able to watch animated versions of the tiles by scanning a QR code on the bridge
Gurdish Haugsdal, another artist with deep local roots, will create a mural on Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge, featuring painted portraits and stories of residents, celebrating migration and envisioning the future
Raj Dhunna will add illustrated portraits of notable residents, community leaders, and young people to the entrances of Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge, capturing the energy and warmth that defines Southall
Shirin Naveed will install functional street furniture inspired by the traditional Punjabi manji (a type of bed) outside 118-122 The Broadway, co-designed with residents to capture the sound and musical heritage of Southall
JG Contemporary Art, an Ealing based art studio has now been appointed to create a striking mural for the South Road Overbridge at Southall Station, the mural will reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of Southall.
Building a sense of pride
Council leader Peter Mason said: “This is a powerful way to celebrate what makes Southall truly special – its people, diversity and community spirit. It’s about more than making bridges, pavements and public spaces look attractive and inviting. Public art builds a sense of pride for people who live and work in the area and boosts the local economy through extra visitors who come to enjoy it.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities said: “There’s a real sense of excitement to see the plans taking shape. We want this to be powered by people in Southall with schools, community groups and residents shaping the ideas and helping to make it happen so that art feels that it really represents their voices and stories.
“We’re inviting people to come along to a community engagement event at the Dominion Centre on Saturday 17 January to learn more about the project, how they can get involved and have a say on what they want to see.”
Find out more
Meet the artists, take part in creative workshops and share ideas for the project. Drop in to the Destination Southall community launch day at the Dominion Centre and Library, The Green, any time from 1pm to 9 pm.
