A massive new ground artwork covering 704 square meters is being installed in the heart of Bristol city center, transforming the space where historic fountains once stood. The ambitious project, titled "Our Common Ground," is being created by multidisciplinary artist Oisin Davis-Lyons, known professionally as Oshii, and features a large heart inscribed with the word "Bristol" surrounded by intricate designs drawing from African heritage, world history, and contemporary community voices.

The artwork is being installed this week in the space between the Cascade Steps and the statue of Neptune, in an area that was recently paved over after the city council removed the dried-up fountains earlier this year. The space has been transformed into the Centre Promenade, creating a larger area designated for street food stalls and public events. The installation is being funded through a collaboration between Bristol City Council and local businesses.

Bristol Legacy Foundation, a charity established in 2019 to address the systematic marginalization of African heritage communities in cultural, creative, and public spaces, has curated this project. This represents the largest and most prominent initiative the organization has undertaken to date. The foundation's mission aligns perfectly with the artwork's themes of inclusion and shared community identity.

The artwork features bold colors and layered imagery designed to invite reflection on journeys, memory, and identity while encouraging visitors to imagine a shared future built on care and respect. Around the central heart symbol, masks, hands, eyes, and rhythmic patterns weave together stories of strength and connection. According to project spokespersons, these elements acknowledge Bristol's historical legacy while celebrating the creativity and resilience of African heritage communities today.

The design process involved extensive community engagement through multiple sessions that invited local residents, businesses, and organizations to preview early concepts and contribute to the artwork's development. These collaborative sessions ensured that the final design reflects the diverse voices, values, and aspirations of Bristol's communities. Artist Oshii emphasized his intention to create something inspirational, stating, "Our Common Ground is about honesty and imagination - facing the past and dreaming of a shared future. I wanted to create something that belongs to Bristol and reflects its heart: a place where voices, cultures and histories meet on common ground."

The installation process will continue throughout the month, with interpretation panels being added to provide both visual and audio descriptions of the artwork. These panels will offer cultural and historical context, encouraging deeper engagement and exploration by visitors of all ages. The comprehensive approach ensures accessibility and educational value for the diverse community that will interact with the piece.

Anna Farthing, interim head of place for Bristol Business Improvement District, one of the project's funders, highlighted the economic and cultural benefits of the installation. "Our Common Ground will be a powerful focal point for the Centre Promenade, transforming the area into a more welcoming destination and place to meet and spend time with others," she explained. "For the businesses based in the center, that means greater footfall, a stronger sense of place and a more vibrant atmosphere that encourages people to stay, shop and connect. Public art of this scale not only enhances our cultural identity, but also brings lasting benefits to everyone who shares this space."

Bristol City Council Chief Andrew Brown emphasized the historical significance of the location, noting, "This artwork brings color, reflection and meaning to the heart of Bristol. Where once ships involved in the trade of sugar, spices, and enslaved people would have docked, we now celebrate the contribution of the city's diverse communities. The completed promenade will be a space where we can pause and reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and look forward together."

Asher Craig, chair of Bristol Legacy Foundation and former deputy mayor who served for eight years under former Mayor Marvin Rees, expressed the organization's vision for the project's impact. "We want this artwork to be both a landmark and a meeting place," Craig stated. "Our Common Ground honors Bristol's history, celebrates the present and invites all who pass through to take part in imagining a more inclusive future." The project represents a significant step in Bristol's ongoing efforts to acknowledge its complex history while building a more inclusive cultural landscape for all residents and visitors.