The international arts and events centre will curate original digital artworks on a public LED screen that runs the length of a newly created pedestrian route through the building.
The 30-metre screen, set to become operational in 2027, will support the City of London’s ambition to become a vibrant thriving destination. One of Europe’s highest resolution public LED screens, at 5.5 metres tall it will span the ground and first floor of the building and run the length of the pedestrian route.
Orion Capital Managers, the developers of Panorama St Paul’s, and the Barbican have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement to showcase original digital moving artworks at the transformational development.
“The integration of public art has been a core component of the design from the earliest days of the project,” says John Bushell, Design principal at KPF. “We believe it will play a key role in the ongoing transformation of the City from a central business district to a central social district that welcomes a broader community.”
“The new digital wall will represent something unique at the intersection of business, arts and culture with the curatorial oversight of the Barbican,” said Aref Lahham, Founding Partner at Orion Capital Managers. “In Panorama St. Paul’s we are determined to create an asset that represents an oasis within the bustling heart of The City. With the Barbican’s input, we aim to engage the wider community and further support the City of London’s vision of creating vibrant and animated spaces that complements one of the world’s most historic financial districts.”
“Through this partnership, we extend the Barbican’s reach beyond its walls, bringing bold, innovative digital art right into the heart of the Square Mile, and supporting the City of London Corporation’s ambitious Destination City strategy,” added Devyani Saltzmann, Director for Arts & Participation, Barbican. “We look forward to commissioning works that challenge convention and redefine what public art can be, offering the City’s residents, workers and visitors thought-provoking works that ignite joy and spark meaningful conversations about the world in all its complexity.”
Futurecity, a leading cultural placemaking agency, played a key role in brokering the partnership as part of its cultural strategy for 81 Newgate Street.
See what’s happening at Barbican here.