Wembley Park, London’s globally renowned entertainment district and 365-day neighbourhood is expanding its free art programme for visitors and residents. This month, four new installations have joined 10 existing pieces of art across various mediums, including paint, digital mixed media and upcycled materials, to complete its free and visually stunning public art trail. Works include portraits of 16 Brent locals by world-renowned photographer and street artist JR, as well pieces that incorporate the Wembley Park landscape, including artist duo HagenHinderdael.

The Art Trail forms part of Wembley Park’s Summer of Play, an extensive cultural programme of live music, sports, entertainment, and theatre designed for its community and visitors to enjoy alongside shopping or eating out. As part of Wembley Park’s Public Art Strategy, the destination’s commitment to commissioning local artists and creatives provides vital support to those whose livelihoods may have been impacted by the pandemic, which has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on the arts and cultural industries over the past 15 months.

JR, global street artist and photographer, says: “I hope visitors are inspired by my desire to create spaces and opportunities for people to come together and share their stories and experiences. Welcoming fans to the Euros, Wembley Park is the perfect place for my photographs to reside – connecting global fans with Brent locals.”

This summer’s cultural programme makes full use of the neighbourhood’s design features, including wide tree-lined boulevards, public squares, and green spaces. A digital map of the art trail is available at www.wembleypark.com/art, along with QR codes on each piece, will allow visitors to discover the art ― including details of their materials, significance, and creator ― as they explore the neighbourhood.

Josh McNorton, Cultural Director at Wembley Park, says:
“It is fantastic to be able to give local artists the space to showcase their work to such a broad audience. Equally, it’s great to provide event day goers, residents, workers, and shoppers with an immersive, cultural experience where they are least expecting it. Wembley Park has gone through an incredible transformation over the past 10 years and these art commissions represent the new, inclusive community that the area is today.”

Visitors can enjoy the commissions at all hours of the day and are encouraged to engage with the pieces; the artworks were chosen for their vibrancy and strong visual identity, making them the perfect backdrops for photography and video.