Artists are invited to submit an expression of interest for the following opportunity. 

Commission 1 – 3 x Utility Cabinets

Proposals should be complementary to the surrounding heritage of the area, which includes the Art Deco bus shelters immediately adjacent to the cabinets and the Regency architecture and landscaping of the Royal Pavillion and surrounding area. 

Artworks should occupy external sides of each cabinet to provide an attractive addition to the public space whilst also deterring tagging.  

The cabinets must remain useable and all key holes and locking mechanisms must be protected from paint when decorated. 

Preferred themes for proposed artworks 

• Regency Architecture (e.g. replication of characteristic architectural features such as bay windows, classical mouldings) 

• Art-Deco patterns and detailing (e.g. geometric chevrons and sunbursts) 

• Imagery reflecting the Royal Pavillion (e.g. dragons, floral patterning) 

All artworks should be appropriate to a public square used by a wide range of communities and demographics as well as visitors to the city.  

Artworks must not conflict or negatively impact on civic uses of the space (e.g. remembrance services) and the City Council reserves the right to reject applications on this basis.  

Fee and Process 

An artist fee of £1000 is available for this commission, to include all materials and labour. Artworks will be in place for 24 months, after which time they will be reviewed.  

Artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to Arts@brighton-hove.gov.uk by 11/09/2026 clearly outlining their concept and ability to deliver the proposal in less than 250 words, and by including a sketch or graphic representation of the artwork to be produced.  

The artist awarded the commission will be selected by Brighton & Hove City Councillors and officers and notified by email in September 2026.  

Arrangements for painting the artworks will then be made directly with the Valley Gardens project team.