Major works of public art by nine artists have been integrated into the design and build of seven new Elizabeth line stations as part of the Crossrail Art Programme.
The programme has worked with seven London-based art galleries and an advisory panel of art-world representatives to deliver artworks from Spencer Finch, Darren Almond, Douglas Gordon, Richard Wright, Simon Periton, Yayoi Kusama, Conrad Shawcross, Chantal Joffe and Michal Rovner. All artworks have been developed and created in close collaboration with Crossrail engineers and architects. The results are a series of works that are both physically and conceptually integrated into the fabric of each new below ground station, and often make a point in referencing aspects of the station’s location within the city.
The Crossrail Art Programme does not form part of Art on the Underground’s programme.
The Crossrail Art Programme has been funded by monies raised by the Crossrail Art Foundation founded in 2014 with support from the City of London Corporation.
Funding contributors: Heathrow Airport, Selfridges & Co., Almacantar, Derwent London, Goldman Sachs, British Land, Landsec, Art Fund, Canary Wharf Group PLC and Randeree Charitable Trust.
Gallery partners: Lisson Gallery, White Cube, Gagosian Gallery, Sadie Coles HQ, Victoria Miro, Whitechapel Gallery and PACE.
FAQs
What is the Crossrail Art Programme?
Together with seven internationally renowned London-based art galleries and a respected advisory panel of art-world representatives, the Crossrail Art Foundation and Crossrail Limited have delivered the largest collaborative public art commissioning process in a generation. Major works of public art by critically-acclaimed artists have been integrated into the design and build of seven new Elizabeth line stations as part of the Crossrail Art Programme – a line-wide exhibition designed to reflect the ambition of London’s newest railway and the communities it serves.
The programme is part of a wider focus to regenerate areas both within and around the new stations and to improve passenger experience.
What is the Crossrail Art Foundation?
The Crossrail Art Foundation was founded in 2014 with support from the City of London Corporation, with a mission to promote art for the benefit of the public by establishing and maintaining a public art programme that will enhance the journeys of the millions of people who will use the Elizabeth line.
The charity has funded the commissioning, creation, installation and maintenance of works of art at the central Elizabeth line stations. The aim of this project was to work closely with Crossrail to link the new Elizabeth line stations to their local area, and to create inspirational spaces, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the community served by the railway.
The Crossrail Art Foundation is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1159310) and is a company limited by guarantee (company number 09200269), with its registered office at 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL.
Is the Crossrail Art Programme part of Art on the Underground?
The delivery of the Crossrail Art Programme is not part of Art on the Underground. The Crossrail Art Programme is the Crossrail Art Foundation’s public art programme featuring nine artists and ten artworks which have been delivered as part of the design and build of seven new Elizabeth line stations. Following the launch of the Elizabeth line, the Crossrail Art Programme completed its remit. As part of the handover of the Crossrail project to TfL, several of the artworks now form part of TfL’s estate.
Art on the Underground is Transport for London’s longstanding art commissioning programme. Art on the Underground invites artists to create artworks for London’s underground, producing critically acclaimed projects that are accessible to all, changing the way people experience their city. Incorporating a range of artistic media from installation, sculpture, digital and performance, to prints and custom Tube map covers, the programme produces projects that are experienced by millions of people each day, and which draw together the city’s diverse communities.
Art on the Underground is programmed by a curatorial team led by Eleanor Pinfield. The curatorial team select the artists to be featured as part of the Art on the Underground programme. The programme receives oversight from a dedicated Advisory Panel, made up of art world experts and TfL Directors, who ensure a world-class art programme.
Art on the Underground is funded by Transport for London.
