The Blunden Prize

Stonewater relaunched its public art prize for 2022/23 to give talented artists from all over the country – both established and emerging – who are producing ground-breaking and innovative artworks – the chance to deliver a series of pieces that can sit proudly on our development schemes.

10 years of public art

Strong communities provide the social cement that holds places together and often defines their success. Nowhere is this more apparent and needed than in the formation of new residential neighbourhoods.

Stonewater’s development team works closely within the local communities they are serving to commission artists that are able to create pieces that convey a distinctive narrative of place, uncovering histories and nuances of the area.

Having spent more time exploring our local surroundings throughout the pandemic, the importance of having beautiful sights and engaging areas nearby has never been greater - another compelling reason why Stonewater is inviting artists of all disciplines to play their part in building community spirit and inspiring residents at new affordable housing developments across England.

2022/23 competition - entries are now closed

Following the success of our first Blunden Prize, we relaunched the national competition and invited artists from all disciplines to pitch their ideas for the chance to win five public art commissions that will feature across our developments and a prize of £75,000.

Entries for the 2022/23 Blunden Prize are now closed.

Artists were asked to submit ideas for an art installation for our Calverley Lane scheme in Horsforth, Leeds. The winning piece will be installed in a prominent location at the entrance point of the 152 affordable home development, situated on the former Leeds City College campus.

Artists were asked to consider the location and history of the site, as well as the natural features of the location. As part of the brief, we also asked artists to consider the environmental impact of their designs and demonstrate how they would reduce the carbon footprint of their proposed work.

See our 2021 winner

The 2021 Blunden Prize received 47 entries from artists across the country and was won by Midland’s architecture, sculpture and design studio, CODA Workshop.

Watch the winner reveal below:

You can also listen to our podcast from 2021, in which we talk about the idea behind launching the prize.