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We believe that strong communities hold places together and often define their success.

Here at Stonewater, our development team works closely with local communities to commission artists that create pieces of art that convey a distinctive narrative of place, uncovering histories and nuances of the area. 

You can find out more about public art at Stonewater and see examples.

The Blunden Prize gives both established and emerging artists from all over the country the chance to deliver public art that can sit proudly on our developments. Read on to see how you can get involved.

2024 winner

Entries for the Blunden Prize 2024 have now closed.

This year, we asked artists from all disciplines to put forward their ideas for an art installation at our Elm Fields Farm scheme in Coventry, which is set to provide 148 affordable homes to the local community.

Following a record-breaking year of submissions, we are pleased to announced Yorkshire-based sculptor Jim Bond as the winner, with his impressive sculpture installation.

Named ‘Helix’, the eight-metre-long sculpture will incorporate seating space for customers to meet and relax. It will form a focal point for the scheme while nodding to the industrial history of Coventry.

Jim will also receive two additional commissions for public art at other Stonewater developments, while two runners up, Imogen Webb and Joanna Dewfall, will both receive a commission from Stonewater to showcase their creative work at other schemes.

See previous winners

2022-23 winner

The 2022-23 competition focused on a Stonewater scheme in Horsforth, Leeds, and the winner was announced as Yorkshire stone sculptor Patrick Walls.

Using local sandstone and project-specific stone, his artwork is intimately connected to its surroundings. Pat has held a series of community workshops to help develop ideas that have formed his final design, titled 'Crossing', which has recently been granted planning permission.

The meaning behind ‘Crossing’ stems from Horsforth’s original name of Horsford, which was a river crossing in the River Aire used by horses. The original Horsforth ford was recorded in the Domesday Book as being situated off Calverley Lane. 

2021 winner

Winners of the inaugural George Blunden Public Art Prize were Midlands-based Coda Workshop. The competition invited artists to present ideas for an installation at Mulberry Meadows, a 125-home development in Castle Cary in Somerset.

Coda Workshop designed a weathered and stainless-steel structure, which would create a community meeting place that incorporates tasteful nods to the history of the local area.

Read more