Fees paid to artists for the #LetsDoLondon art projects
Request ID: FOI-0298-2122 Date published: 27 May 2021
You asked
Yesterday the first in an apparent major arts project called #LetsDoLondon was announced with David Hockney redesigning the tube sign for Piccadilly Circus. This was met by online criticism from the majority of the creative community. A lot of criticism was based on the quality of the work. I place no judgement here, art is subjective and a lot of public art is often met with similar criticisms. More pertinent was questioning the judgement to give a well established artist this commission when so many artists and illustrators have struggled during the pandemic crisis. Many feel this was a wasted opportunity to engage with the creative community and raise the profile of talented up and coming artists. I'd like to know the fees and commissions paid to the artists involved for the #LetsDoLondon art project. This is in the public interest as the money involved could literally have given a platform to the artists of the future.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0298-2122
Thank you for your request received on 12 May 2021 asking for information about the artwork recently installed at Piccadilly Circus Station.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. We do not hold the information you require.
The Piccadilly artwork is a project led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) rather than TfL. Any requests regarding this project should be directed to the GLA:
https://www.london.gov.uk/
I can confirm that there were no costs incurred by TfL in relation to this project.
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Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
