Public art in Dorset is shaped by its landscapes, coastlines, towns and communities. These guidelines take a broad view of public art, not just static objects, but experiences that connect people, culture and place. Whether permanent, temporary or integrated into design, public art should reflect Dorset’s distinctive character, its heritage and people - while inviting imagination, participation, and joy!
Permanent Works: Permanent artworks, such as sculptures and murals create landmarks within Dorset’s landscapes or streets. They strengthen the area’s sense of identity, need durable materials and regular upkeep and are often created as part of wider construction or improvement projects.
Street Art: Street art and murals are dynamic forms of public expression. They can celebrate local identity, amplify underrepresented voices and transform neglected areas. Best practice involves working with property owners for consent, respecting heritage and planning requirements and using durable professional materials.
Memorials, Monuments and Contemporary Commemoration: Dorset’s historic monuments and memorials are protected heritage assets. Their conservation, interpretation and alteration are governed through national legislation and local heritage and planning policy and are outside the scope of these public art guidelines. However, public art also plays an important role in contemporary commemoration and collective reflection. New artworks can offer meaningful, inclusive and creative ways to respond to shared histories, lived experience and under-represented narratives. These contemporary projects may sit alongside, respond to, or reinterpret historic events and figures through new forms, materials and approaches. Dorset encourages sensitive, community-led approaches to new commemorative public art that reflect diverse perspectives and contemporary values while respecting the historic environment.
Temporary Art and Events: Temporary public art brings energy and experimentation to public spaces. This can include pop-up installations, performances, digital projections and short-term interventions that invite participation and allow new ideas to be tested. Temporary public artworks are often presented as part of festivals and cultural programmes delivered by organisations. In these cases, the artwork itself is distinct from the wider festival or event framework.
Regulatory Note
These guidelines focus on artistic, community and commissioning best practice for public art. They are in addition to statutory requirements relating to planning permission, licensing, highways, health & safety, safeguarding or heritage protection.
Where projects involve events, performances, road closures, large temporary structures or audience management, additional permissions will be required through Dorset Council’s Licensing Team.