Need to Know

Martha Crean

Martha Crean is standing in front of a light-coloured wall, smiling directly at the camera.

Every issue, we bring you the lowdown on an individual who enriches Bristol with their unique brilliance.

So... Martha Crean. Tell me more! 
Convener of creativity. Cultivator of collaboration. Driver of dialogue. As the Public Art Coordinator at the University of Bristol, Martha is an advocate for access to art for all. 

Currently working on: 
Connecting artists, researchers and local communities to support exciting art commissions for the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. 

Most commonly spotted: 
At The Little Library at the Barton Hill Micro-campus, a welcoming and inclusive space to help people connect and unwind. As a bookworm and people person, she’s in her element introducing others to the joy of reading through interactive group sessions. 

Favourite campus art piece: 
Follow Me (2019) by Jeppe Hein. From how it blends beautifully into the stunning landscaping of Royal Fort Gardens, to the joy it brings watching children run through it, it’s a winner. 

Follow Me (2019) by Jeppe Hein is shown on a sunny day in front of Royal Fort House. The artwork is a series of tall mirrored pillars, arranged in a rectangular fashion.

Follow Me (2019) by Jeppe Hein. Photography: Jamie Woodley

Follow Me (2019) by Jeppe Hein. Photography: Jamie Woodley

Can be heard saying things like:
‘Collaborative public art projects can introduce us to new perspectives and take us outside our own echo chambers. They help build diverse communities around a shared creative interest.’ 

Big fan of:
Artists. Her favourite changes with her mood. She’s inspired by artists who create spaces for social exchange, so if pressed she may mention Sonia Boyce and Jeremy Deller. Then there’s Francis Alÿs. And Leonora Carrington. And Antoni Tàpies… 

Specialist skill:
In-depth knowledge of the logistical joys of moving Rembrandts around the world and staging large international exhibitions. 

When she’s not working, you can find her:
Crafting with her children. The messier the better. With a background in print-making, Martha’s oeuvre has expanded to include chaotic collage and giant paintings. 

Photo: Martha Crean, Public Art Coordinator at the University of Bristol. See the University’s public art here: nonesuch.pub/publicart 

Item 1 of 5
A man stands in the middle of Luke Jerram's Palm Temple artwork, a kaleidoscopic series of geometric coloured glass.

Luke Jerram's Palm Temple artwork on the University campus. Photography: Allesandro Gaja.

Luke Jerram's Palm Temple artwork on the University campus. Photography: Allesandro Gaja.

The white fibreglass Voronoi Screen has a striking cellular design. The frame is made up of multiple polygons, and encloses the Fry Building’s atrium and large glass staircase. The sun is shining on the brick and glass of the Fry Building, and green plants and blooming purple flowers are in the foreground.

The Voronoi Screen, designed by WilkinsonEyre Architects, is a feature on the outside of the University’s Grade II-listed Fry Building. Photography: George Chan.

The Voronoi Screen, designed by WilkinsonEyre Architects, is a feature on the outside of the University’s Grade II-listed Fry Building. Photography: George Chan.

The inside of Hollow, an artwork created from wooden posts of varying sizes, heights and shades. Taller, wider blocks are on the left, with some darker, thinner blocks on the right. Sunlight is lighting many of the blocks.

Inside Hollow, an immersive artwork on campus by Katie Paterson and architects Zeller & Moye. Photography: Max McClure.

Inside Hollow, an immersive artwork on campus by Katie Paterson and architects Zeller & Moye. Photography: Max McClure.

A large, bright globe floats above a crowd of people in the Great Hall of the Wills Memorial Building. The walls of the room are wood panelled and white, with impressive wooden rafters.

Luke Jerram’s touring artwork Gaia, in the University’s Wills Memorial Building. Photography: Bob Pitchford.

Luke Jerram’s touring artwork Gaia, in the University’s Wills Memorial Building. Photography: Bob Pitchford.

Various phrases related to mental health are displayed in magenta writing on a lime-green background.

Belonging, a large-scale text-based artwork produced by Fandangoe Kid.

Belonging, a large-scale text-based artwork produced by Fandangoe Kid.