Vote Now: Choose the Next Stunning Art for Westbury's Community Garden!

Westbury is getting a new community garden in Penleigh Park, and the town is inviting everyone to help choose a new piece of public art for the space. Two finalists have been selected in a public art competition. One of the proposed installations is a sculpture of a head, while the other is a group of four small hills made from stones of different shapes. These two pieces were chosen by local residents and a group of school children who wanted the art to reflect nature and the community. Now, the whole community can vote to decide which artwork will be installed in the park. The goal is to make Penleigh Park a place that brings together wildlife, wellbeing, and art, according to the Westbury Town Council.

Ella-Mai Robey, the council’s public art officer, explained that the project began as an idea from local residents. It has grown into a collaboration with Wiltshire Council’s Art in the Public Realm Programme, Community Conversations, and Westbury Town Council. The funding for the art comes from developer contributions, which are special funds set aside for public art projects. The council is also planning to plant more trees and flowers in the park to help wildlife and make the area more beautiful.

The group that helped choose the two finalists included people who live near the park and a group of school children aged 9 to 11. These children are part of a group that talks about ways to help their community. They discussed the different art ideas and helped narrow the choices down to two. Now, it’s up to the wider community to make the final decision. People can vote at several places, including Westbury Library from Monday to Friday. The winning art piece will be installed in the park for everyone to enjoy. The town council hopes this project will make Penleigh Park a more welcoming and creative space for all residents.