Following on from our article last week, we are excited to bring you more details about the first Public Art project to be implemented from our Public Art Strategy. This project called 'Art Leading Wayfinding' is one that aims to improve the wayfinding around Thame so that residents and visitors are encouraged to walk more, rather than always use their cars. The project will eventually result in 3 exciting trails leading across Thame that you can enjoy as an activity in itself, but will also play a crucial role in helping people to walk easily across the town, using the footpaths and infrastructure already in place. The trails will include:
1. A story trail (leading from Thame Meadows estate on the Oxford Road into the town centre).
2. A fun fact trail (leading from the town centre across Lea Park - helping you to connect easily with locations such as the skate park, football stadium and rugby club).
3. A poetry trail (connecting the town centre to the new housing estates on Wenman Road, with a route that takes you through Elms Park).
In July 2021 Thame Town Council announced the successful appointment of public artist, Nicola Henshaw to lead on this work. Nicola has previously worked on many public art projects and we were drawn to both the quality of her craftmanship as well as her passion for engaging with the community. Find out more about here https://nicolahenshaw.co.uk/
In the summer of 2021, in-between the Covid restrictions we faced that year, Nicola delivered a series of workshops in the community. She brought in Pat Winslow, a professional storyteller, to deliver workshops to develop a 'Story of Thame'. Workshops were delivered over four days, engaging people from all sections of our community, children and adults, people new to Thame and those who have lived here their whole life. Through these workshops a story was created that weaves elements of Thame's history into a magical and intriguing tale of adventure set in three locations, in three very different times.
Listen to the story in full here.
