Beyond the White Cube: How The Line Brings Art into Everyday Life with Sarah Carrington

Today’s episode takes us out of the white cube and into the open air. My guest is Sarah Carrington, Director of The Line, the public art trail connecting Greenwich to Stratford along the waterways of East London. If you’ve ever stumbled across an unexpected sculpture beside a canal, or discovered art while simply walking through the city, then you already understand the quiet magic of what The Line does. With more than two decades working across curating, public art and cultural strategy, Sarah has helped shape an organisation dedicated to bringing art into people’s everyday lives. In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to bring ambitious public artworks into being, how commissions evolve over years, and how artists can begin building relationships with organisations like The Line. If you’re curious about working in the public realm or simply love the idea of discovering art as you move through the city, this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes. And Sarah and I are also inviting you to meet us in person. On Monday 13 July 2026, we’ll be hosting a special Membership event at Cody Dock, where Sarah will introduce the thinking behind The Line, share insights into commissioning public art, and highlight key works along the route before we walk together through the sculptures. If that sounds like your kind of day, please do click the link in the show notes to join the Membership or visit cerihand.com to join us. For now, settle in and enjoy this conversation with Sarah Carrington. KEY TAKEAWAYS When art lives in the places we walk every day, like The Line does, it stops being somewhere we “go” and becomes something we live alongside. The work comes alive on the viewers terms. The best public artworks don’t just decorate a place. They provoke questions. They connect people. They create moments where strangers stop, look, and talk to one another. Public art is a long game: you build relationships, stay with it, and you don’t treat the first “no” as the final word - you innovate and adapt. BEST MOMENTS “When they come to The Line, they connect with one another, and they connect with themselves in a new way.” “That great public art doesn’t appear overnight. Behind every sculpture or installation, you encounter in the landscape are years of thinking, research, partnerships, and conversations.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://the-line.org HOST BIO With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She has sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. ** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ ** Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ ** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/