Expressions of interest for a Public Art Commission for Hastings Town Centre as part of the Hastings Public Realm and Green Connections Project
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new public art brief for Hastings town centre as part of the Hastings Public Realm and Green Connections Project.
Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and Hastings Museum and Art Gallery are working in partnership to commission an artist to work as part of the Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections Project. The project is part of a long-term vision to revitalise Hastings Town Centre through green infrastructure and placemaking.
The commissioned artist should play a meaningful role in the regeneration of Hastings town centre. They will support placemaking efforts, work on ideas that will integrate seamlessly into the wider public realm enhancements, and contribute to the overall design vision, rather than functioning as a stand-alone piece. The intention is that the final proposals should help echo the distinct identity and heritage of the area, while also making the town centre a more engaging and enjoyable place to spend time.
Cllr Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council, said, “This is a great opportunity for artists to submit ideas of how they would work with the community and the design team to come up with imaginative designs that invites people to interact and engage with the new public realm proposals and that invite curiosity and joy into our town centre”.
The brief is an open call to artists and invites proposals from artists who are passionate about working collaboratively and engaging with the local community. The commission will focus on integrating public art into key areas of the town centre, contributing to an improved experience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The selected artist/artist collective will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with ARUP, a global leader in landscape architecture and urban design as well as with the local community to create artwork that becomes part of the experience of this new green space in our town centre as well as reflecting the unique spirit of Hastings.
How to apply
Please visit the Hastings Museum & Art Gallery website for full details of the artist brief, including the scope, timeline, and submission guidelines.
The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is 11.59 (11.59 GMT) on Sunday, 8 June 2025.
This commission is a key part of the Public Realm and Green Connections Project, one of the priority initiatives within the Hastings Town Deal. The project aims to improve key streets and spaces across the town centre while embedding nature, creativity, accessibility, and sustainability throughout.
Local people have already played a vital role in shaping the vision for these public spaces, and this new public art opportunity is another way for artists and the wider community to come together in reimagining Hastings’ future.
For regular updates the Hastings Public Realm and Green Connections project please visit Town Centre Public Realm & Green Connections — Hastings Town Deal.
In 2021 Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to receive a share of the previous Government’s Towns Fund to kickstart the regeneration of the town with funding of £24.3m. The Town Deal Board has allocated £10m of Town Deal money to support this project.