University appoints a champion for public art

The University of Leeds has signalled a commitment to public art with a new key role aimed at highlighting its extensive collection. Public art is higher on the national agenda than ever before – the phenomenally successful First World War commemorative work Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red by ceramic artist Paul Cummins attracted five million people to view the display of 888,246 poppies at the Tower of London last year. As the University of Leeds’ first Public Art Project Officer, Professor Ann Sumner is relishing the challenge of raising the profile of the University’s extensive range of public art. A new campus art map and smartphone app are planned, as well as a lively summer programme of public engagement activities involving student placements and campus tours. “The University of Leeds has an ambitious plan for public art, and it’s my aim to raise the profile of everything that the University has to offer,” she said. “We already have some great public art on display, and a major new commission by award-winning artist Simon Fujiwara will be unveiled this summer in front of our new undergraduate Laidlaw Library. “The Leeds campus itself is unique, with so many diverse architectural buildings.