Futurecity developed a long-term Public Art Programme for Great Kneighton (formerly Clay Farm and Glebe Farm), a 120-hectare urban extension to Cambridge delivering around 3,000 new homes. Grounded in early and sustained community consultation, the programme positioned artists as collaborators in shaping place rather than as providers of standalone artworks.

The strategy commissioned six UK and international artists to develop site-specific responses that would influence architecture, landscape, infrastructure, play space, bridges, street furniture and community spaces. Together, these projects embed narratives of local history, archaeology and everyday life into the fabric of the public realm.

Dutch artist Jeanne van Heeswijk was appointed as lead artist, delivering a multi-year, socially engaged programme that supported residents - both existing and new - to take an active role in shaping shared spaces and community life. Other commissions addressed themes of play, food, landscape, heritage and informal encounter, ensuring culture was integrated across the neighbourhood rather than concentrated in a single location.

These included Bronze House by Heather and Ivan Morison; An Edible Park by Nils Norman; Ruins for Seven Acres by Simon and Tom Bloor; Patterns of Dust by Sean Edwards; and Parallel Development by London Fieldworks. Together, the commissions embed narratives of local history, archaeology and everyday life into the fabric of the public realm.

The result is a coherent, layered public art programme that evolves with the community, supporting social connection, participation and a strong sense of place over time.