Public Work
Public installations, civic projects and large-scale visual communication
Micah Purnell is a multidisciplinary creative director and artist based in Manchester working across public art, editorial systems and graphic communication.
His practice spans civic installations, typographic interventions and socially engaged projects created for streets, stadiums, institutions and cultural organisations.
The work explores how language and design shape collective experience in public space — from moments of reflection to large-scale cultural events. Projects often combine typography, image and narrative to create direct, accessible forms of communication in the built environment.
Recent work includes installations at Wembley Stadium, public messaging across Manchester, editorial and campaign work for national publications, and ongoing billboard-based projects through ADD-ART.
His work has been commissioned and exhibited by organisations including The Guardian, Wembley Park, the NHS, Elbow and cultural institutions across the UK and internationally.
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Street Painting, Belfast, Ireland
Billboard design
colourful text based billboard design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based billboard design
colourful text based billboard design
street painting
bsed sticker design
billboard design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text digital screen design
colourful text based poster design
digital screen design on tv
sticker design
street painting
Animated digital screen design, London
Animated digital screen design, London
Animated digital screen design, London
Animated digital screen design, London
Animated digital screen design, London
Engraved wooden plaque
Typographic graphic design
Text besed art
text based art
Typographic graphic design
poster design
sticker design
signage design
Text besed art
Text based billboard design
Texted based street art
text based poster design
Text besed art
poster design
Text besed art
Text besed art
social critique
exhibition design
engraved plaque design
Texted based street art
social critique
installation design
exhibition design
exhibition design
text based street art
text based street art
text based street art
sticker art
text based billboard design
text based street art
social critique
badge design
text based street art
text based street art
text based street art
print design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based street design
handmade text art
colourful text based t-shirt design
social critique
handmade text based poster design
text based poster design
text based poster design
colourful text sticker design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based poster design
text based poster design
typographic graphic design
building signage design
photographic montage
social critique
street intervention
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based poster design
installation design
colourful text based billboard design
colourful text based sticker design
colourful text based poster design
colourful text based sticker design
beer mat design
print making
handmade poster design
street signage intervention
t-shirt design
print letter design
bio photo
text based poster design
text based exhibition design
colourful text based poster animation
text based poster design
text based poster design
colourful text based street intervation design
handmade poster design
installation design
social critique
street sticker design
installation design
PUBLIC ART FAQ
What types of public art projects do you undertake?
Projects range from large-scale banners, billboards and environmental graphics through to installations, exhibitions, wayfinding systems and public realm interventions.
Can you manage a project from concept through to installation?
Yes. I regularly oversee projects from research and concept development through to fabrication, production and installation.
Do you work with local authorities and cultural organisations?
Yes. I have worked with local authorities, charities, arts organisations, cultural institutions and community groups.
Can public art projects include typography and graphic design?
Absolutely. Much of my public art practice combines graphic design, language, typography and visual storytelling within public space.
Do you work with fabricators and specialist suppliers?
Yes. Depending on the project I collaborate with printers, installers, fabricators, engineers and production specialists.
Can you create temporary or permanent installations?
Yes. Projects can be temporary campaigns, touring installations or long-term public artworks.
How do you approach community-focused projects?
I begin by understanding the people, place and context involved. The strongest public art projects emerge from meaningful engagement with location and audience.
Do you only work in Manchester?
No. While I am based in Manchester, I work with clients across the UK and internationally.
What role does storytelling play in your public art work?
Storytelling sits at the heart of many projects, helping translate ideas, histories and shared experiences into visual form.
What makes successful public art?
Successful public art creates connection. It responds to place, communicates clearly and leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter it.