Shinfield Parish Council, in partnership with Arts4Wokingham, has launched a competition to commission a permanent sculpture for Shinfield’s new village centre.
The artwork will be unveiled in May 2027.
Councillor Raj Tatla, chairman of Shinfield Parish Council, said: “We’re proud to support a project that not only enhances our public spaces but also celebrates the creativity and diversity of Shinfield.”
The competition is open to professional artists and sculptors from across the UK and beyond, who are invited to submit proposals that reflect the themes of community, identity, and the future of Shinfield.
Submissions will open in August 2025, with a deadline of October 24, 2025.
A shortlist of artists will be selected by November, and public input will be sought to help choose the final design ahead of the winner’s announcement in March 2026.
Councillor Matic, chairman of the Arts, Culture & Events Committee, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Shinfield.
“Beyond our substantial investment in new community buildings and sports facilities, this initiative is about nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits every resident.”
The winning sculpture will be installed on the eastern edge of a new public plaza, north of the School Green Centre, with development work on the plaza set to begin later in 2025.
The project supports the parish council’s SHINE vision – Safer, Healthier, Interesting, Neighbourhoods & Engaging everyone – by promoting creativity and community pride.