Sustainable Public Art – Turning Waste into Cultural and Social Value
A collaboration between FrancisKnight and KaNect Ltd
Rethinking Public Art for a Circular Economy
Too often, public art is commissioned late in the development process, after major planning and design decisions have been made. Sustainable Public Art changes that.
By embedding artists and waste experts at the earliest design stage, we connect creativity and sustainability where it matters most, during pre-demolition audits. Together, we identify and repurpose materials from existing buildings into artworks and public realm features that carry the story of place and regeneration.
This approach moves public art from a policy tick-box exercise to a strategic driver of the circular economy, helping developments achieve ambitious environmental targets and deliver real community value.
Our Vision
Keep materials in use for as long as possible, avoiding unnecessary waste.
Divert at least 95% of inert material from landfill.
Support the London Plan goal of 20% recycled content in new developments.
Deliver measurable carbon and material savings on every project
Create public artworks and spaces that celebrate reuse, creativity, and community identity.
Why Work With Us
FrancisKnight are award-winning public art consultants who curate and deliver impactful, bold and ambitious artworks that enrich public spaces and foster community identity. They provide expert advice to meet public art planning obligations and placemaking goals. FrancisKnight offer strategy, commissioning and project management with creativity and care, guiding clients and artists through the public art process, whilst delivering stakeholder engagement and long-term community value.
KaNect Limited are recognised thought leaders in Pre-Demolition and Pre-Redevelopment Audits, shaping circular economy policy now embedded in the London Plan. As lead advisors to the Greater London Authority (GLA) and former London Recycling Officers Group (LROG), KaNect provide toolkits, training, and hands-on expertise that help design teams unlock the hidden value in existing buildings.
Together, we aim to shift public art budgets away from new materials and towards creative reuse of existing site resources, delivering circular, low-carbon design solutions that inspire behavioural change and visible sustainability.
Join the Movement
We’re calling on councils, planners, architects, developers, and sustainability consultants to collaborate with us early, not post-planning, to rethink how materials, art, and design can work together to build the next generation of sustainable places.
Let’s turn demolition waste into opportunity.
We’re currently running a special offer for new CPD sessions booked this spring to share insights and pathways to make this circular vision a reality.
Contact us to find out how we can work together.