Public Art & Community Practice

Michaela Haynes is a UK-based sculptor working across ceramic and mixed media, with over 20 years of professional practice. Alongside her studio work, she has developed an extensive body of public art and community-led projects, creating site-responsive work in collaboration with schools, community groups and public organisations.

Her approach combines material exploration with participatory processes, enabling individuals and communities to engage directly in making. Projects often result in permanent or semi-permanent installations, including sculpture, murals and architectural ceramic works.

She has been shortlisted for two public art commissions, developing proposals for large-scale, site-specific work.

Selected Projects

Crich Junior School Tiled Mural Commission

Crich Junior School, Derbyshire (2026)
A large-scale ceramic mural commissioned to mark the school’s 140th anniversary. Developed through workshops with pupils, the work brings together individual contributions into a cohesive, site-specific installation. The finished piece is permanently installed within the school, celebrating its history, community and shared identity.

Creative Partnerships Residency

Shelton Junior School, Derby (2006)
A large-scale playground sculpture was designed and installed during a residency, forming the basis of a cross-curricular programme. Pupils explored the work through film, performance, and ceramic processes, encouraging creative interpretation and ownership of the space.


The Green Health Project

Shipley Country Park (2005)
Commissioned to create ceramic floor tiles for a cob building, alongside a series of participatory workshops. The project combined environmental awareness with hands-on making, embedding community contribution into the final structure.

Diversity Walls Project

Alfreton Grange School & feeder schools (2010–2012)
A large-scale collaborative project across eight schools, exploring cultural identity through visual art. Outcomes included ceramic and painted murals, printed flags and sculptural elements installed across school sites.

Art in the Park

Chesterfield (2013)
Delivered ceramics workshops within a residential care setting, working with older participants to create work inspired by local heritage. The project culminated in a public exhibition of ceramic pieces.

Additional Commissions & Projects

  • Ceramic mural project, Murray Park School, Derby (2005)

  • Clay workshops for school garden, Christchurch School, Birmingham (2005)

  • Mosaic signage, Somercotes Guides (2008)

  • Ceramic wall installation, Fritchley Junior School (2010)

  • Exterior ceramic tiled signage, Spring of Living Water Church (2012)

  • Painted mural for public-facing space, Little Chef, Alfreton (2011)

Approach

Haynes’ public art practice is rooted in:

  • Site-responsiveness — responding to environment, architecture and community context

  • Material-led processes — using clay and mixed media to build layered, tactile surfaces

  • Collaboration — enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to the outcome

  • Legacy — creating works that remain embedded within public and shared spaces

Availability

Available for:

  • Public art commissions

  • Community and education residencies

  • Site-specific installations

  • Collaborative and participatory projects