Sutton Courtenay Parish Council is seeking expressions of interest from artists, craftspeople or designers to design and create a series of artistic works for the village green that also have a functional value as vehicle barriers to prevent cars parking and damaging the grassy areas of the Green. Currently there are 199 wooden posts covering a circumference of 300 meters (please see the figures below). These posts are in constant need of maintenance due to damage from cars as they access the roads between the grass areas.

Artist Commission Brief: Artistic features for Sutton Courtenay Village Green

Commissioning Body: Sutton Courtenay Parish Council
Location: Sutton Courtenay Village Green, OX14 4AE at the heart of the village’s conservation area
Project Budget:
Phase 1: Research, community involvement and design £6,000;
Phase 2: Implementation budget £60,000.
Materials: including but not limited to wood, stone, metal or concrete (durable and low-maintenance), but could also include planting.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest (EOI): Wednesday 19th August 2026

Sutton Courtenay Parish Council is seeking expressions of interest from artists, craftspeople or designers to design and create a series of artistic works for the village green that also have a functional value as vehicle barriers to prevent cars parking and damaging the grassy areas of the Green.

Background

Currently there are 199 wooden posts covering a circumference of 300 metres (please see the figures below). These posts are in constant need of maintenance due to damage from cars as they access the roads between the grass areas.

Any replacement barriers should enhance the area, be visually engaging, and celebrate the heritage and culture of Sutton Courtenay, as well as creating a practical and safe barrier preventing vehicles accessing the Green for parking.

It is also intended to install the designed vehicle barriers around the Liversidge Patch, which is just south-east of the Green as shown in Figure 2 below. It is not registered Green but is in parish council ownership and used as a public space amenity.

The features can be made from wood, stone, metal or concrete (and could include planting), and must be robust, durable, and easy to maintain.

Project Aims

This project aims to celebrate Sutton Courtenay's history, its stories, people, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.

It will also help to enhance the Village Green as a central focal point at the heart of the village.

We are keen to involve the community in the creative process, fostering a sense of local pride and ownership.

Artists are encouraged to explore themes that reflect the village's history, including its connection to literature, the local wildlife, or elements inspired by previous public art commissions within the village.

The previous public art project was based on an illustrated map of the village and crafted noticeboards and creative seating that link significant locations together as a trail.

Budget

A budget of £6,000 is available for Phase 1 to cover the design and research, which will include community consultation and be inspired by the history and identity of the village.

The budget is intended to cover client meetings, venue hire, workshops, design fees etc.

Once design proposals have been developed and agreed by the Parish Council, who would hold the copyright for the design, a further £60,000 is available in Phase 2 to cover all aspects of the fabrication, delivery, installation and continued community involvement of the project.

Please note a separate invitation for an EOI will be issued for Phase 2, as the two phases will be undertaken as separate contracts.

Submission Requirements

All submissions must be received by 12 noon on Wednesday 19th August 2026 and include the following:

• A short statement (max. 500 words) outlining your interest in the project and initial ideas for your approach to the project
• An outline of the consultation process, including estimated number of meetings, types of consultation events etc.
• If there is a requirement for a team to deliver implementation, an overview of their individual expertise
• Breakdown of the £6,000 Phase 1 budget
• Examples of previous work, particularly in public art or similar durable outdoor installations
• An indicative timescale for the project
• References from past commissioners
• Confirmation that appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance and DBS checks are in place and curren

Next Steps and Timescale

Shortlisted artists may be invited for interviews or presentations to further discuss their proposals, after which we will apply for drawdown of Phase 2 funding to make this exciting project happen.

We estimate commencing the design and community engagement phase in November/December 2026, with a creation phase commencing in October/November 2027 and project completion, including installation, by late Spring to early Summer 2028.