Community art, eco-art or land architecture? There are many ways to describe how communities have connected with their local environment by placing man-made images, colours, patterns and structures in the environment to complement and rejoice in nature.


Most environmental artwork is designed for specific locations and often involves collaboration with artists and landscape architects as well as schools and community groups.


Sometimes outdoor artwork reclaims and helps remediate damaged environments that are often designed to work in harmony with ecosystems, sometimes using natural resources like water and wind power.


It is easier than you think to get involved in creating your own community artwork. Mosaic, woodcarving, stonework and metalwork are becoming more accessible to local communities and training courses are also available. Additionally, you can work collaboratively with local artists who may be able to source funding to work with you on a project.


For more information about installing community-based artworks in your neighbourhood, contact the following:


Groundwork Arts Toolkit
Telephone 0121 236 8565

The Arts Council
Telephone 0845 300 6200

National Association of Local Government Arts Officers
Telephone 0116 267 1441

Asian Arts Access
Telephone 01753 571 050

CITE Commissions in the Environment
Telephone 0161 228 1400
December 2008
GGM's 10th anniversary project warms the heart - details to follow.
November 2008
GGM wins a Green Apple Award - details to follow.
October 2008
Celebrating 10 years of GGM - details to follow.
September 2008
Green champions grab the cash! news_details_green_champions_grab_the_cash_.html  More »
October 2007
Wake up call to Manchester's green champions. wake_up_call_to_manchester_s_green_champions_new.html  More »
October 2007
Greening Greater Manchester on the map with launch of new website greening_greater_manchester_launches_new_website.html  More »

Dobcross Village Community, Oldham


“The anniversary of the Queen’s 50 years on the throne seemed the ideal opportunity for the Residents’ Association of Dobcross Village Community (DVC) to celebrate this event with the restoration of our benches. Situated in Church Fields, the benches were in desperate need of repair, after many years of wear and tear,” remembers local resident, David Makin.


A focal point of village life, the two benches in the centre of the village are located on a steep hill and are a popular resource for the local community and visitors to the conservation area on the edge of this National Park.


“We can’t remember when the benches were first installed but in the last couple of years before we received GGM funding, the seating had worn away and no one was using them, which was such a shame as they had once been much appreciated, especially on Whit Friday Band Contest,” added David.


“To commemorate the jubilee, the DVC decided to repair a once-loved resource so it could be enjoyed once again by all and this time we also made sure they are accessible to people with mobility problems by installing hand rails and shallow steps.”


Working in partnership with a local craft person, the two benches were restored to their former glory in oak and York stone, which are materials sympathetic to the natural environment of Dobcross in Saddleworth, Oldham.