Bristol has a powerful new landmark. Our Common Ground, a monumental street-level artwork by multidisciplinary artist Oshii, has been officially completed in the city centre, reimagining the busy Centre Promenade as a vibrant space for cultural connection, reflection and pride.
Spanning more than 700 square metres, the vivid mural is now a striking feature of the city’s public realm. Its unveiling marks a major milestone in the transformation of Bristol’s central spaces, placing African heritage and community voices at the heart of civic life.
Commissioned and funded by Bristol City Council and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), and curated by Bristol Legacy Foundation, the project was realised with production support from Upfest Projects.
Our Common Ground reimagines the promenade through bold colour, layered symbolism and stories drawn directly from community voices. At its centre lies a striking emblem: the word “Bristol” inscribed within a heart, surrounded by masks, eyes, hands and rhythmic African patterns. Together, they speak to resilience, visibility and belonging, a bold declaration of presence in the city’s most public space.
Oshii, the artist behind the work, said: “This artwork is an offering to Bristol and to the people who shape it every day. I wanted it to feel unapologetically visible, joyful and grounded in truth. It is a place to honour the past, stand in the present and imagine the future together.”
The final design was shaped by months of public engagement, inviting residents and local organisations to respond to early concepts and contribute to its development. The themes of resilience, memory and connection are grounded in community input and now made visible on a grand civic scale.
Anna Farthing, Interim Head of Place at Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Our Common Ground transforms how we experience this space. It invites people to stop, gather and take pride in what this city represents. We hope it becomes a defining point of connection in the heart of Bristol.”
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee at Bristol City Council, added: “This is exactly the kind of public realm we need in Bristol: open, inclusive and thought-provoking. It is a powerful reminder of the histories beneath our feet and the futures we can build together.”
Finishing touches to the wider Centre Promenade project include the installation of interpretive panels, which will offer visual and audio guides along with historical and cultural context to support learning and exploration for visitors of all ages. In addition, a series of free-standing planters will be planted with flowers for pollinators, along with two large sunken flowerbeds. This work is set to take place in October, ready for an event to celebrate the revitalised public space towards the end of the month.
Asher Craig, Chair of Bristol Legacy Foundation, said: “This piece is a landmark in every sense: physical, cultural and emotional. It reflects the lived experiences of communities who have historically been underrepresented in public spaces. Now, their stories are quite literally at the centre of the city.”
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