Mariam Zulfiqar

My main area of interest is art in the public domain, in particular commissioning and presenting artworks in locations other than the conventional exhibition platform of a gallery or museum. I view the public domain as a crucial sphere where contemporary art can reach a vast audience. My placement at Art on the Underground has allowed me to explore my interests and to understand the processes and nuances of commissioning site-specific artworks for various public locations.


Art on the Underground operates within an organisation where art is not the primary focus and exhibits contemporary art to millions of people who use the Tube for myriad reasons. This presents both complexities and benefits. I have contributed to the development of the programme by identifying new sites for commissions, and 


I have delivered exhibitions that utilise the programme’s archive in new locations across the network.


After graduating from the RCA I hope to remain as a commissioner of contemporary art for the public domain. Having gained experience of delivering an art programme within a unique environment, my ambition and interests now are to be involved in the exploration of other contexts in the support of contemporary, site-specific work and its engagement with diverse audiences.


Host organisation: Art on the Underground, London