Unexpected Encounters: Illustration and Public Art

Join us for an evening event to explore how illustration in the public realm can transform the places we live, work and visit. Whether celebrating people, fostering shared connection or revitalising forgotten spaces, public art projects have the potential to spark moments of joy, curiosity and conversation in unique and unexpected ways. From murals to sculpture and immersive installation, the creative possibilities are vast but so too are the responsibilities that accompany these projects. Exploring environment, audiences and impact, this conversation investigates the vital role of public art today and how illustrators can translate their work to different scales, locations and ways of interacting with audiences. With Graphic Rewilding, a public art practice that floods grey city spaces with vast, nature-inspired artwork, MURUGIAH, a multi-disciplinary artist whose work reflects his life and identity, spanning commercial print, painting and public art, and Hannah Lim, an artist who explores how cultures intersect through objects, sculpture, and public art projects. The conversation will be chaired by Hanna Benihoud, who speaks internationally on art’s power to shape more equitable cities, and will be followed by a Q&A. Whether you are an illustrator, designer, student, public planner or simply interested in how public art can impact the world we live, this is an unmissable event exploring the scope, responsibilities and impact of public art today. This event is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout the building. Visit qbcentre.org.uk/accessibility for further information.