Back in 2022 we started some communication about a Public Art Project we hoped to implement last year. Unfortunately, due to various influences, not least the changes to energy costs and difficulty getting supplies, this was delayed. However, we are really excited to announce that by early March we should see the installation of the first of 3 trails that are part of our ‘Art Leading Wayfinding’ project.
Before it arrives, we thought we would re-cap the exciting journey of it’s development:
Section 106 funding
Did you know that ‘Section 106 agreements’ are put in place with developers to raise money for infrastructure to support new housing developments? They are drawn up by South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) before they grant planning permission, so that the developer is legally bound to deliver the infrastructure agreed. Money is collected from the developer once the planning permission is implemented and when certain points in the agreement have been met. Included in this funding is money that is restricted to be spent on certain areas, one of which is Public Art.
Art Leading Wayfinding
As far back as 2017, Thame Town Council decided to develop a Public Art Strategy with the aim of ensuring that this money was used in a way that met needs identified in the community as well as providing something beautiful to look at. A Working Group was formed that included interested members of the community alongside Thame Town Councillors and an Arts Officer from SODC. The resulting strategy included a proposal of 10 initial projects to focus on. The first of these projects was to use Public Art funding to improve wayfinding around the town. In the weeks ahead we will again share the details of how the project developed and by the beginning of March you should be able to see the results in place.
