The work of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm
Aim of the Commission
The Commission's role was to enrich and add to the current public realm. As well as advise on better ways to raise public understanding behind existing statues, street names, building names and memorials.
It was committed to building an accessible programme which is sensitive to the beliefs, views and opinions of all Londoners, helping people have a better understanding of London’s diverse histories.
It’s ambition was, by 2023, there would more objects in the public realm that tell a wider, diverse and more representative story of London, so that:
- Londoners have a better understanding of London’s diverse histories.
- Diverse communities better understand how they can impact the public realm.
- Visitors have a better sense of what London represents.
- London Boroughs are more aligned and activated in diversifying the public realm, which will build capacity for best practice to continue after the Commission ended.
What the Commission did
- The commission reviewed what currently makes up London’s public realm. They discussed which legacies should be celebrated. Then made a series of recommendations to establish best practice, for example, how to assess, evaluate and approach contested heritage.
- It focused on increasing representation among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, women, LGTBQ+ and disabled groups. As well as those from a range of social and economic backgrounds.
- It worked alongside a Borough Working Group of local councils and a Partners Board.
- The Commission was not established to preside over the removal of statues.
Borough Working Group and the Partners Board
The Commission worked with a Partners Board of statutory bodies and a London Borough Working Group. They worked with transparency and openness, supporting Londoners to enrich the city with projects with long-term legacy.
Borough Working Group
The Borough Working Group enabled borough councils to provide views from across the capital. Get in touch with your council to find out more about their involvement.
The Partners Board
The Partners Board was established to provide further knowledge and advice to the Commission. The organisations involved were:
Untold Stories: grants for community-led organisations
The Untold Stories fund launched in October 2021 to enable communities to share their stories in our shared spaces. The £1m fund came as Art UK published the first comprehensive audit of public sculpture across the capital, revealing huge disparities in representation.
Untold Stories showcases new, different, missing or hidden ideas and projects in London's diverse communities.
Commission meetings
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