Our Common Ground, Oshii, 2025. Photo Courtesy Plaster Communications
Synopsis
Our Common Ground is a landmark artwork by multidisciplinary artist Oshii for Bristol city centre. The artwork reimagines the busy Centre Promenade as a vibrant space for cultural connection, reflection and pride.
Spanning more than 700 square metres, and painted on land that was once part of the Floating Harbour, the vivid mural is a striking feature of the city’s public realm. Its unveiling marks a major milestone in the transformation of Bristol’s central space, placing African heritage and community voices at the heart of civic life.
A strong example of partnership working and collaboration, Our Common Ground was commissioned and funded by Bristol City Council and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID). The project was curated by Bristol Legacy Foundation and realised with production support from Upfest Projects. It was realised outside of Bristol City Council’s policy triggered art and the public realm programme.
“This artwork is an offering to Bristol and to the people who shape it every day. I wanted it to feel unapologetically visible, joyful and grounded in truth. It is a place to honour the past, stand in the present and imagine the future together.”Oshii, Artist
Description
Our Common Ground reimagines the promenade through bold colour, layered symbolism and stories drawn directly from community voices. At its centre lies a heart inscribed with the word “Bristol,” symbolising that this space belongs to everyone. Surrounding it, masks, hands, eyes and rhythmic patterns weave stories of strength and connection – acknowledging the city’s historical legacy while celebrating the creativity and resilience of African heritage communities today.
The piece honours those affected by the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans, while celebrating the resilience and creativity of their descendants. It encourages us to look honestly at the past, and imagine a future built on care, respect and unity.
The final design was shaped by public engagement, inviting residents and local organisations to respond to early concepts and contribute to its development, ensuring the final design reflects the diverse voices and aspirations of the city. The themes of resilience, memory and connection are grounded in community input and now made visible on a grand civic scale.
Whether you’re passing through or pausing to reflect, this artwork invites you to find common ground with history, with others, and with itself.
“This piece is a landmark in every sense: physical, cultural and emotional. It reflects the lived experiences of communities who have historically been underrepresented in public spaces. Now, their stories are quite literally at the centre of the city.”Asher Craig, Chair of Bristol Legacy Foundation
Finishing touches to the wider Centre Promenade project include the installation of interpretive panels, which will offer visual and audio guides along with historical and cultural context to support learning and exploration for visitors of all ages. In addition, a series of free-standing planters that integrate with the artwork and with Adinkra symbols applied to them will be planted with flowers for pollinators, alongside two large sunken flowerbeds. This work is set to take place in October, ready for an event to celebrate the revitalised public space towards the end of the month.
“This is exactly the kind of public realm we need in Bristol: open, inclusive and thought-provoking. It is a powerful reminder of the histories beneath our feet and the futures we can build together.”Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee
“Our Common Ground transforms how we experience this space. It invites people to stop, gather and take pride in what this city represents. We hope it becomes a defining point of connection in the heart of Bristol.”Anna Farthing, Interim Head of Place at Bristol City Centre BID
Credits:
Commissioned and funded by Bristol City Council and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District. Curated and produced by Bristol Legacy Foundation. Realised with production support from Upfest Projects.
The Centre Promenade improvement project is funded by Bristol City Council.
The landscape and public realm works are being funded through the City Centre and High Streets programme, which is funded by Bristol City Council and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
With thanks to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, WECIL, Wellspring Settlement Stay and Play, Bristol Civic Society and Bristol Beacon for their support.
Further Reading:
Bristol based, multi-disciplinary artist Oshii, combines bold colours with layered compositions to produce fine contemporary art which challenges social narratives, shares and explores history through a decolonial lens, explores social and political issues and evokes dialogue.
He has had work featured in The Tate Liverpool and the RWA and worked with brands, organisations such as Creative Debuts, Spike Island, Bristol University, The National Trust, Bristol City Council, The Unicornfest Bristol & The World Reimagined.
He frequently runs creative workshops for all ages and abilities in community, educational and gallery settings and believes collaboration is an important and powerful tool for social change.
‘Our Common Ground’ is his first major public realm commission.
Visit Oshii’s website.
Upfest believe in transforming spaces into vibrant destinations through the power of public art and cultural intervention. They work with councils, developers, destinations, BIDS and brands to solve challenges and create joy.
For more information on all strands of their work visit the Upfest website.
The Bristol Legacy Foundation (BLF) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation founded in 2019 committed to addressing the systemic marginalisation of African Heritage Communities (AHC) in cultural, creative, and public spaces.
Bristol Legacy Foundation website.
