THE WORCESTER Plinth has been awarded its first Arts Council England grant to commission and display ‘Hands of Worcester’ an artwork by Malvern artist Jessica Mary Monk.
‘Hands of Worcester’ involves the casting of the hands of the people of Worcester at a number of forthcoming events and then assembling them into a large artwork which will tour the city’s squares, residential areas and parks from September 2026 to June 2027.
Oliver Carpenter, organiser of The Worcester Plinth told the Observer: “The grant is a really important step for The Worcester Plinth as it is recognition from Arts Council England that what we are doing in touring public art around the city is important, engaging more people in viewing it and talking about it, as well as in this case helping us to make it.
“We can place The Worcester Plinth almost anywhere in the city for 28 days and we would be interested in hearing suggestions for the nine locations for ‘Hands of Worcester’.”
Arts Council England is the primary supporter of visual arts in England, and the Worcester Plinth team said they are excited to get their support for this project.
The only touring public art system of its type in the UK the Worcester Plinth has recently been on display in nine locations including Warndon/Brickfields, Cathedral Square, Perdiswell Leisure Centre and Gheluvelt Park.
It can currently be found opposite Lyppards Medical Centre displaying the current artwork ‘The Gulls’ by Sarah Dukes.
Jessica Mary Monk, the artist added: “I have been absolutely blown away by the work the team has done both previously with the Plinth and on the grant for this exciting new project.
“It shows recognition both of the importance of the plinth, it’s support of local artists and also that Arts Council England has seen the importance of the work we are going to do with the “Hands of Worcester” project.
“The Project will be about celebrating the diversity and culture of Worcester. I’m so blessed to be a part of it and excited to meet everyone throughout the process.”
