BUILDHOLLWOOD’s Your Space Or Mine collaborative arts and community project creates another pocket of wonder, innovation and contemplation.

A once-forgotten corner of Old Market has been re-energised for the creative community. Formerly derelict, the site has been transformed with new public art commissions displayed on a stone plinth carved by Paul Roddan, one of three stone installations on the plot. Curated in partnership with Sarah Staton and the Spatial Value Research Catalyst at the Royal College of Art, the annual artworks are complemented by a newly planted community garden, grown in collaboration with Rockaway Park; a haven for butterflies, bees and birds as well as passers-by.

Framed by now-repaired billboards featuring rotating campaigns from local culture, music and brand clients, and community art initiatives – the lawn is a shared space that intersects the world of art and advertising and reimagines public spaces through community-led creativity in a unique cycle of reinvestment. 

Old Market Lawn is sustained, supported and enjoyed by local folk and our friendly neighbours. It’s a pleasure to help bring some sweetness and light as well as fresh artistic ‘voices’ to help create a thought-provoking but serene and peaceful spot beside a busy Bristol thoroughfare. 

Look out for future developments as the garden flourishes and new artworks appear.. What’s next? Curated by Sarah Staton, a striking new piece by NHS worker and artist Sophie Fishel is coming soon. 

Much like making art, to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.