Keep on the Grass: Exhibition

This playful and thought-provoking exhibition explores the role of signs in urban public spaces and how they affect our sense of belonging.
About this Event

Signs are everywhere. They tell us where we are, where we can go and where we can’t. They tell us what we can do and what we can’t. Signs provide information but they also direct behaviour and set a tone. Signs take up space. They affect what our cities look like. They can help us get around, but they can also get in the way. And sometimes signs make us laugh.

“Keep on the Grass” was inspired by the award-winning Parks for Health initiative jointly delivered by public health and green space teams with community organisations in Camden and Islington. A recurring theme in discussions was how to cultivate a culture of permission rather than prohibition, including the role of signage in this. How can the design, images and language – and languages – used help?

Catherine Max supported this work and went on to collaborate first with the Built Environment Trust and then Newcastle University and the University of Westminster to explore wider issues of urban design, signage and inclusion. “Keep on the Grass” was staged at London’s Building Centre in 2024, Newcastle’s Farrell Centre in 2025, and now comes to Zone 29 at the University of Westminster with additional content by Professor Andrew Smith and colleagues.

“Keep on the Grass” is on view and open to the public at the University of Westminster’s new Zone 29 building from 29th June to 31st July 2026. The installation was originally staged at the Building Centre in London and toured to the Farrell Centre in Newcastle as part of their "What is an Ideal City?" programme.

Come to the exhibition, let us know what you think and share pictures of signs which we may add to the “Keep on the Grass” video.

#KeepOnTheGrass

@uniwestminster

If you would like to attend the “Keep on the Grass “launch event on 30th June, register here.

This exhibition is part of the programme of events and activities organised by the Destinations and Experiences Research Centre (DEX); and is part of the 2026 London Festival of Architecture.