When I planned the artworks and poetry for Sheraton Park I felt that there was a need to do something ambitious which echoed the international reach of Durham University, related to the story of St Cuthbert’s pilgrimage, and made a really positive statement about being international. During consultation on the ideas for international sculptures with local residents they suggested the idea for a ‘Welcome’ poem which we commissioned poet Ira Lightman to produce and this really brought the themes together for the new International Sculpture Garden at the centre of the development featuring new sculpture commissions from artists based in China, Italy and the USA.

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