Have your say on the public art proposals for Westward Ho!

People with a connection to Westward Ho! are being asked to share their views and ideas on what type of public art they would like to see in the village.

Torridge District Council, supported by The Burton at Bideford is introducing public art to the village as part of its mission to revitalise Westward Ho! by supporting, developing and promoting cultural activity in the town.  Public art is a really important part of modern place-making, celebrating the village's heritage and vibrancy to ensure that it adds to the sense of being somewhere people want to spend time and visit and helping Westward Ho! to really stand out.

Funding for the project has been secured from a S106 agreement which stipulates it has to be spent specifically on public art. People with a connection to Westward Ho! are now being asked to share their views and ideas on what type of public art they would like to see in the village, by filling in a form or completing an online survey. 

Whether it's a mega centrepiece or an art trail, a stone sculpture or a mural - it's now time for the community to have their say on what themes and stories make them feel proud and would really create that added wow factor!

The survey is open from Friday 3 October 2025 and will close on Monday 3 November 2025. Your feedback will be used to inform the artist brief will be advertised to local artists towards the end of the year. 

The Project Steering Group, made up of representatives from Torridge District Council, Northam Town Council, The Burton Gallery and local people, will then appoint the artist that best fits the brief.  Anyone who is interested in joining the Steering Group can apply via the online survey.

It is intended that the new artwork will be in situ for Summer 2026.

The survey has now closed.