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A K Dolven appointed as artist for the North West Cambridge Development Town Centre commission

Date uploaded: October 9, 2013

The University of Cambridge has commissioned the Norwegian artist, A K Dolven, to create a permanent public artwork for the new local centre at North West Cambridge.

Situated in the heart of the 150-hectare development, A K's commission provides the opportunity for a focal artwork or series of artworks that will contribute to creating an identity for the University's urban extension to Cambridge. The mixed-use development will combine residential housing, academic and research facilities, the local centre and public amenities as well as site infrastructure and open green space for all to enjoy.

"I visited a huge empty site. There was an archaeological dig taking place and I found myself with my feet on stones from Roman times. Looking up into the sky I was amazed by what would be here in the future, between my feet and the sky. A town full of life: people, research and ideas for the future.This project seemed such an exciting challenge for me as an artist and immediately triggered ideas. I'm honoured to be appointed" A K Dolven.

A K Dolven is one of Norway's best-known artists. She has lived all over Europe and now divides her time between London and the Lofoten islands in the north of Norway. Her practice explores communities and their landscapes, often highlighting the relationship between individuals, society and the natural world. Using a diverse range of media, her work is always sensitive to its environment and is often unexpectedly moving; it combines deceptively simple elements to create a response with specific local meaning, whilst maintaining a strikingly universal resonance. Her site-specific and publicly engaging artwork is present at Folkestone Seafront where a 16th century tenor bell is suspended at height from a steel cable which visitors may ring using a traditional rope bell-pull.

Roger Taylor, Project Director of the North West Cambridge development said: "A K's previous work and research-led approach to the North West Cambridge brief gained unanimous approval of the Public Art Advisory Panel. Her artistic quality and resonant response captures the simple but essential spirit of connecting people with place using art. Her involvement will enhance the character of the area and she will create a piece of art that will engage neighbours, visitors and the future residents to come and return to North West Cambridge."

Working in conjunction with the North West Cambridge public realm architects, engineers and masterplan designers, A K will research and respond to the site's past and future plans to develop a holistic and organic artwork that is fully grounded in the sense of place. The local centre will be delivered as part of Phase One of the development and it will include a range of social facilities and public amenities to ensure the needs of the community will be met from the outset. The community centre, nursery, primary school, supermarket and shops will all contribute to the creation of a natural hub for activity and community cohesion, enhanced by the artwork.

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A K Dolven

A K Dolven