Powerful public art project invites people to submit designs for empty Colston plinth

In the aftermath of Colston’s statue being pulled down, a project was launched to reimagine how Bristol’s history and common values can be best reflected.

A year down the line and the People’s Platform is now showcasing the first sculptures and designs on the empty plinth through the power of augmented reality (AR).

“The Colston statue has been debated about for decades, with no positive resolution. Now the People’s Platform makes it possible for Bristolians to share ideas and visualise something new,” say Lawrence Hoo and Charles Golding, the directors of CARGO Movement.

The public art project is an invitation to Bristolians of all ages and backgrounds to submit designs for what they would like to see on the plinth that was once home to slave trader Edward Colston.

It’s also an invitation for the city to engage in a discussion about how the city’s history and common values can be better reflected.

Artist Jazz Thompson says ownership of the plinth has shifted – photo courtesy of CARGO Movement

Hundreds of designs have already been submitted and as the city marks the anniversary of the statue being toppled, people are invited to view the work and create their own ideas for the prominent site.

A new website will allow for users to engage with the sculpture submissions on screen or in situ near the plinth with cutting-edge AR software.

Jazz Thompson, an artist who has contributed to the project, says: “To partake in art in public spaces, it’s something you’re often told not to do. The ownership [of the plinth] has completely shifted.”

Jen Reid is an activist who stood on the empty plinth after Colston’s statue was toppled – a moment that was immortalised in sculpture by London-based artist Marc Quinn.

Jen says the People’s Platform is “an epic and important project that gives every day Bristolians an opportunity to engage in a discussion that is all too often held in private and behind closed doors”.

Clare Reddington, the CEO of Watershed, adds: “I love how The People’s Platform layers up the visions of Bristol citizens. In situ, it’s the best use of AR I can imagine. Wherever you are it opens up conversations about who makes art and who is memorialised through art in a necessary, accessible and democratic way.”

Just some of the designs submitted by schoolchildren for the People’s Platform – photo courtesy of CARGO Movement

The selected designs are available in the form of digital augmented reality, doing no damage to the physical objects. Each month, a new digital statue and story will be added to the collection.

As well as the digital sculptures themselves, users will be able to access concise information about the designer and the inspiration behind their idea. Anyone with a smart device near the plinth, or online and anywhere in the world will be able to experience and explore the statues from 360 degrees.

The cutting edge technology has been developed in conjunction with AR experts apache.co.uk and 8thwall.com and works by reducing any barriers of engagement and not requiring an app download.

Commenting on the power of the project, Saffa Freebrey, a mum and contributor, says: “Most statues in the city are of rich white men, so it will be nice to see something different.”

Saffa Freebrey, a mum and contributor to the People’s Platform, says it’s nice to see statues that aren’t just of rich, white men – photo courtesy of CARGO Movement

Main photo courtesy of CARGO Movement

Read more: Launch of CARGO Classroom to illuminate inspiring untold stories