MAID MARIAN LEGACY

About the project




As part of the transformation of the former roundabout on Maid Marian Way, a brand-new piece of public art is planned for the pedestrian area near the Premier Inn. The space will also feature a vibrant rain garden filled with water-loving plants, designed to add beauty, attract wildlife, and help prevent flooding.

BACKLIT Gallery, It’s in Nottingham, and Nottingham City Council are collaborating to bring this vision to life, and we want your input!

The theme of the artwork will be centered around Maid Marian. Artists will soon be invited to submit creative proposals, but before that, we’re asking for your ideas! What kind of artwork would you like to see? Which artists should be involved?

The survey is open until the end of March, after which local artists will submit their proposals. Later this spring, you’ll have the chance to vote on three final design options. The winning artwork will be announced in the summer, with installation planned for later this year.

Be part of shaping the future of Maid Marian Way – share your thoughts and make your voice heard today!




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FUNDING

How the project is funded



Funding for the Maid Marian Way project, including the public art, was secured from the central government ‘Future High Street Fund’. The funding was awarded in order to deliver schemes that were intended to ‘renew and reshape the Nottingham high street in a way that improves experience, drives growth, and ensures future sustainability’. 

The overall Maid Marian Way project, which will see the previous roundabout replaced by a traffic light controlled T-junction with pedestrian crossings and improved cycling facilities, is expected to be complete by summer 2025.


GET INVOLVED

How to get involved with the Maid Marian Legacy




• Share Your Ideas: Let us know what kind of artwork you’d like to see and which artists you’d like to be involved. Take part in our [online survey here]. The survey is open until the end of March.

• Stay Updated: As the project progresses, this page will be regularly updated with new information, including opportunities to vote on the top three design options later this year.

• Vote for the Final Design: Later this year, Nottingham will have the chance to vote for their favorite design. The winning artwork will be announced in the summer, with installation planned for later this year.

Be part of shaping the future of Maid Marian Way – share your thoughts, get involved, and help create a legacy for Nottingham!




Have your say by completing our online survey.

Please contact info@backlit.org.uk if you would like the survey in a different format.


PUBLIC VOICE

Your Feedback



“Her story is shrouded in mystery, making her all the more fascinating. It’s time she was honored for who she truly was.”

“She is one of Nottingham’s most legendary women, and she deserves recognition in her own right.”

“Our sense of identity is deeply connected to where we come from. Exploring social structures, belonging, and empowerment helps us understand how history shapes our present.”

“Unity, respect, and tolerance lay the foundation for a thriving community, one that values its people, its environment, and its shared history.”


“Addressing social inequalities, particularly those tied to race and class, is essential in understanding the divisions that shape our society.”“Introduced later into folklore, she may have been influenced by figures like the Virgin Mary or other legendary women of her time. She is nearly always tied to Robin Hood, acting as both his equal and his opposite. Today, she is often depicted as a symbol of strength, justice, and independence.”

“Unearthed cultural histories and overlooked voices deserve recognition. Celebrating individuals from these backgrounds helps shine a light on heritage that has gone unheard for too long.”

“Feeling connected to the place you live fosters pride and responsibility. When people take pride in their city, they are more likely to care for it and strengthen community bonds.”

“It’s rare for a city to have a female symbolic figure, making this a unique opportunity to celebrate the women of Nottingham’s past, present, and future.”

“Marian’s identity is intrinsically tied to gender, so much so that ‘Maid’ is often treated as part of her name. A project centered on her naturally lends itself to conversations about women’s rights: choice, safety, and equality.”



FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions




Q. Can anyone submit an expression of interest for consideration for the public artwork?

A. The process is not an open call and is by invitation. We are keen to get artists and community involved and we would please encourage you to complete the survey so you can have your say. The comments received will inform the shape of the overall artistic outcome.