Art UK has recently achieved a significant milestone by reaching one million entries in its digital directory of public art across the UK. From classical sculptures to contemporary pieces, the collection highlights the vast and varied nature of the nation's artistic heritage, a project that began with the goal of digitally cataloguing paintings. New chair Ben Terrett emphasizes that this accomplishment is merely the beginning, suggesting that there is much more to discover and include in this ever-growing archive.

The initiative by Art UK not only serves to document artworks but also provides an encyclopedic resource for art enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public. Users can delve into the collection by searching for specific themes or artists, revealing links to a rich tapestry of cultural history. This accessibility encourages a broader engagement with public art and raises awareness of lesser-known works, such as a unique piece of crumpled paper held by the Manchester Art Gallery.

As Art UK celebrates its tenth anniversary, the project's ongoing expansion signifies a commitment to preserving and sharing the public art narrative in the UK. The new chair's vision of scratching the surface implies that future efforts will aim to enhance the database further, possibly including more categories of art and enhancing user interaction, ultimately enriching the public's connection to art in their communities.