Didcot Garden Town Public Art Plan

Site-specific Public Art Plan for Didcot Garden Town in South Oxfordshire

FrancisKnight was appointed by South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council, to work with the Didcot Garden Town Team to develop a site-specific public art plan for Didcot. Didcot lies at the heart of ‘Science Vale’, the UK’s leading area for science, technology, innovation and research, which comprises four main employment centres. In 2015, Didcot was awarded garden town status, with the aim of accommodating over 15,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs in the area. The Public Art Plan aims to reinforce local character and enhance placemaking. 

FrancisKnight approached artist Katayoun Dowlatshahi to collaborate as a Lead Artist on the development of the plan. Katayoun is a long-term collaborator with FrancisKnight, having worked on a temporary public art programme and permanent projects in Rochester, including the train station and riverside walk.

Katayoun contributed to the Dicot Garden Town Public Art Plan with artist research, extensive engagement, artist statement and scoping of the public art programme. 

The plan builds on the communities desire for positive engagement, highlighting the dynamic community spirit which connects diverse entities, including businesses, scientists, charities and cultural initiatives. The plan reflects on the research and findings in a set of public art principles and themes, a commissioning approach, public art commissions and associated budgets.