The Project

In January 2023, the City of London participated with the Huron University Management and Organizational Studies Class on a City Studio Project to study what London could learn from other UNESCO-designated cities about creative collaborations that could benefit London.  The “Songlines” proposed initiative developed by a group of students from this class, based upon a previous UNESCO program developed in Auckland, New Zealand, won the City Studio community of choice award at the end-of-term Hubbub Event held at the Pillar Nonprofit Network in April 2023. 

The City of London Culture Services and the London Arts Council, in partnership with the London Music Office and the Rotary Club of London, have come together to create the “Songlines Project.” This project will showcase the artwork of London’s local visual artists, which is accompanied by a “Songlines” QR Code that links to the London Music Office’s Spotify channel and the diverse music of talented local musicians at various stages of their music careers. In alignment with the City of London 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, the “Songlines” project has a strategic focus on Economic Growth, Culture, and Prosperity. It hopes to support the outcomes of London as a destination of choice and encourage the growth of local artistic and musical talent. “Songlines” will contribute to London’s UNESCO City of Music designation.

Songlines will beautify London’s streetscapes, communities, and neighbourhoods and strengthen London’s brand as an artistic and creative hub. Emerging and mid-career musicians and visual artists will gain more exposure to establish their brand, which will further their careers to be export-ready for more regional and international opportunities. This will, in turn, contribute more to the local cultural economy.

Source: The London Arts Council Newsroom, June 24, 2024

The Design

The Songlines logo celebrates Public Art in London. The buildings are made of instrument shapes (guitar, microphone, keyboard, and more) and represent Public spaces. The bubbly curved lines and bright colours express the positive impact of Art on our community.

The project design aims to cohesively represent the initiative across various materials, including cling wrap, marquees, plaques, and the website, incorporating QR codes that securely link to Spotify playlists.

The design prioritizes longevity, flexibility for expansion, and community engagement at local community centers. It features a creative, eye-catching public art element, aligning with London's UNESCO City of Music designation. Using the accessible Atkinson Hyperlegible font, the design integrates music-colour correspondences to evoke emotional responses, with colours meeting WCAG AA standards for accessibility. The green colour matches that used by the City of London and the London Arts Council, while the yellow on white serves as a "sun" and call to action.

Media Links

• The City of London Newsroom, June 24, 2024, “City unveils two Indigenous murals at East Lions Community Centre”

• The London Arts Council Newsroom, June 24, 2024, “Firekeeper mural by Indigenous Artist Mike Cywink the first created through the Songlines Project”

• The City of London Instagram, June 28, 2024