Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections Project Public Art Commission artist announcement

Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, and Hastings Museum & Art Gallery are pleased to announce the appointment of an artist for the Public Art Commission as part of the Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections project.

The commission has been awarded to INSTAR, a UK-based artist duo known for their collaborative and community-focused approach. INSTAR will work collaboratively with the wider project team and local community to contribute to the long-term vision of revitalising Hastings town centre through green infrastructure and creative placemaking. This collaboration marks an important step forward in bringing new creative energy and community engagement to the heart of Hastings.

Artists, Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys, founders of art collaboration INSTAR, said: “We are greatly excited to have been selected as commissioned artists as a part of the Hastings Green Connections project. On our research visits, we have found Hastings and the community to be incredibly inspiring, welcoming and creative. We look forward to further developing our public artwork for the town centre, engaging communities and working collaboratively with Arup and excited to share our plans and engagement programme soon.”

The initial expression of interest received more than 100 submissions and following the evaluation process with the independent expert panel, four submissions were shortlisted. The commissioning process involved assessment of artistic quality, approach to community engagement and integration within the wider public realm design. The shortlisted proposals then progressed through a development phase and the highest scoring submission was identified following a rigorous selection process.

Cllr Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for shaping places and local government reorganisation, said: “I am delighted that we are entering the next stage of this project, with INSTAR being appointed. I look forward to seeing how their vision evolves as they work with the design team and the local community to create a meaningful and inspiring series of artworks that enrich the public realm scheme and reflects the character and creativity of Hastings."

The project team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all applicants for their time, creativity, and passion.

Further details around the project’s Expression of Interest and review process can be viewed on the Town Deal blog post Four artists shortlisted for the Hastings Town Centre Public Realm Art Commission blog post.

Details of the full selection process including the selection panel can be viewed here.

Project developments will be shared via the Town Centre Public Realm & Green Connections — Hastings Town Deal project page. 

Find out more about INSTAR on their website.