 The Public's mission is to be a place where people come to create and make things for themselves and to enjoy other people's creativity – an echo of Cedric Price's concept of a Fun Palace.In 2012, "The Guardian"s Robert Clark described The Public as "a playground for adults" and that "maybe that's a good role for a contemporary art gallery to embrace".It is also home to 27 small companies as well as the Sandwell Arts Trust, who manage the building.