Sculptural Gateway - New Public Art Unveiled
Published: 26 September 2024
Celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Leicester
"Sculptural Gateway" is a powerful celebration of Leicester's rich cultural heritage, marking the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian exile. Created through a unique collaboration between artist Anu Patel and the local community, the artwork symbolises resilience, diversity, and unity.
The UA50 Public Art Commission was initiated to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian exile and celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Leicester. As a tribute to the South Asian diaspora, who have made Leicester their home, the project aimed to recognise the resilience, contributions, and shared experiences of migrating families. Installed at Belgrave Circle, Sculptural Gateway stands as a powerful symbol that defines this shared space, honouring the city's vibrant history.
Artist selection
In 2022 an Artist Brief was drawn up to bring the vision to life, and a national call for artists was issued, inviting expressions of interest. Following a shortlisting process, Anu Patel was selected in July 2022 to lead the project. Her proposal stood out for its thoughtful reflection of the project’s themes and her dedication to engaging with the local community. Patel’s vision combined artistic excellence with cultural sensitivity, ensuring the artwork would resonate deeply with the shared memories and aspirations of Leicester’s diverse communities.
Designing an artwork
Throughout the latter half of 2022 and into 2023, Anu Patel engaged in a series of workshops and consultations with local residents, inviting them to contribute their stories, ideas, and memories. These interactions were fundamental in shaping the final design, which features intricate laser-cut details representing themes of migration, family, and hope. The participatory design process ensured that the artwork was a true reflection of the people it was created to honour.
Installation In 2023, the Sculptural Gateway was installed at its home in Belgrave Circle, transforming the space into a meaningful landmark for the city. The installation was accompanied by additional landscaping elements, including new pathways, greenery, and seating areas. The final touches were completed over the following months, turning the site into an inviting, accessible area for residents and visitors alike.
More than an artwork
At the heart of Sculptural Gateway is the idea of creating a shared space, not just a static artwork but a living, interactive environment where people can come together. The sloping path leads up to colourful steel uprights, with laser-cut imagery inviting reflection and exploration. Anu’s intricate designs capture the fauna and flora of Uganda, as well as poignant images of family life, migration, and hope. The steel uprights represent two distinct communities coming together, with the apex symbolising the point at which their stories and lives interlock. These differences between the uprights become the anchors and connections that give the sculpture its strength. The arc overhead forms a sanctuary-like space beneath, creating a haven for those seeking connection to both the past and the present, celebrating Leicester’s spirit of inclusivity.
The hope is for this artwork to endure as a lasting symbol of Leicester’s residents coming together, connecting across differences, and celebrating shared experiences. Belgrave Circle stands as a place to explore and honour the diverse journeys and stories that shape our community, reflecting the unity and strength found in collaboration.
A commemorative brochure that tells the story of the artwork and how it come to be made can be downloaded as a PDF here.