To mark World Art Day, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on how art, community, and placemaking go hand in hand—and how, when done well, art is not simply decorative, it can foster pride and belonging within our communities.

From heritage trails to temporary interventions, we’ve seen how creativity can directly engage communities. The Barking Heritage Trail, part of the Enhancing Heritage in the Abbey and Barking Town Centre project, for instance, is more than a route—it’s a journey through time, brought to life with vibrant, accessible public art that shares Barking’s past with a new generation. The project restored the facades of key high street buildings, including several prominent Edwardian and Victorian buildings. Works also included redesigning the landscaping in front of the 15th Century Curfew Tower, creating a beautiful space that improves links between Barking Abbey and the High Street, and enhances the historic interpretation of the area. Focus oversaw the whole project including developing interpretation and delivering activities including partnerships with the local college and archive to deliver work placements and volunteering.

At Alice Billings House, we’re proud to have worked alongside Creative Land Trust and Purcell Architecture in delivering a space where art is lived and breathed every day, through the creation of approximately 40 creative studio spaces. Their new programme of open days brings artists and local people together – breaking down barriers, fostering creativity, and helping to regenerate a historic space for future generations that meet modern day needs. The creative hub now plays a large part in Newham’s Recovery Strategy helping to cement its place as a borough for the arts.

During the renovation works at St Marylebone Church, an arts programme was integrated into the construction process itself. Temporary hoardings became a canvas with displaying student artworks of “famous faces” from the Marylebone area inviting passers-by to reflect on and connect with the church’s journey and history. Passers-by also had the opportunity to interact with the exhibit creating their own photos. The community feel was encouraged further through activity programmes built on the area’s heritage, attracting new audiences and connecting Marylebone’s increasingly divergent communities in meaningful experiences – from a dedicated art space in the newly restored crypt to regular lectures on art and traditional crafts.

The idea of art as an engagement tool was also highly successful at Staunton Park, with the creation of a 21st-century folly—an artistic structure designed in collaboration with the community. It stands as both a gathering place and a conversation piece, blending landscape, heritage and imagination into something unique to its place. Alongside vital restoration, conservation and access works, the project also delivered new learning, engagement and participation activities, together with a full volunteer programme.

At The Amelia in Tunbridge Wells, art and culture sit at the very core of their offer. The community hub brings together museum collections, library services , learning spaces, and exhibitions—all under one roof. The project weaved creativity into every layer of the design and delivery process – six artists were commissioned to create permanent artworks for the building including everything from the reception desk to the gates to the courtyard. The Amelia with its accessible art workshops for people of all ages and abilities, is now a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike—a space to learn, create and connect, building on the town’s reputation as a centre for arts and culture.

As part of our consultancy support across each of these projects Focus brought together a diverse team of collaborators—from Designers, Interpretation Consultants and Event Planners, to Artists, Architects and Community Groups—making sure their input is considered and integrated at the right stage.

Focus continually work to protect the client’s vision while addressing the practical realities of programme, budget and planning – we act as the thread that ties everything together so the creative process has the freedom to thrive.

Whether it’s through permanent commissions, temporary installations, or creative community consultation, Art plays a vital role in creating places that feel welcoming, inspiring and meaningful.

Discover how Focus delivers projects with creativity at their core by visiting our website: https://www.focus-consultants.com/portfolio/

Images 1: Barking Town Centre Mosaic

Images 2: (c) St Marylebone Parish Church