Artwork for the columns at Bottle Alley

Issued by: Hastings Borough Council 
Location: Bottle Alley, Hastings Seafront 
Project Duration: May 2026 – April 2028 
Total Budget: £30,000 (£15,000 per year) 
Submission Deadline: 29 March 2026 

1. Introduction 

Hastings Borough Council invites proposals from professional artists or artist led teams to design and deliver new artwork for the structural columns at Bottle Alley. This two year commission aims to enhance the character of this iconic seafront structure, celebrate its heritage, and create a dynamic visual experience that matches the changing conditions of the coastal environment. 

2. Project Background 

Bottle Alley, designed by Sidney Little in the 1930s, is a 480metre covered walkway featuring 113 concrete columns and distinctive embedded glass fragments. It is a key pedestrian route between Hastings Pier and Warrior Square and a valued public space for residents and visitors. 

Since 2017, the art installation Wavelength has featured at Bottle Alley, brightening up the walkway by bringing colour to the columns. The artwork was very positively received by the public and has become a much-loved feature, rallying volunteers from the local community and contributing to the restoration of Bottle Alley. Now the paintwork needs revisiting, the council would like to use this opportunity to invite new proposals for the columns, continuing to enliven the space.  

The walkway also features 1524 individually programmable LED lights, with regular themed lightshows organised throughout the year. Continuing the lightshows is of importance to the council, any new artwork should allow for this. 

In addition, the walkway hosts the yearly Bottle Alley Art Market (BAAM), a free public event showcasing art from local and national artists. The popular event returns each year in August, including market stalls, music, and live performances. Any new artwork needs to take this into account, collaboration with the BAAM organisers will be required.      

It should be noted that the site experiences dramatic seasonal variation, including: 

• Intense summer sunlight and high footfall
• Harsh winter storms, salt spray, and prolonged dampness
• Shifting colour temperature and light levels throughout the year. 

The council seeks artwork that either withstands these conditions or responds creatively to them. 

3. Scope of Work 

3.1 Concept Development 

The selected artist/team must develop a concept that: 

• Reflects the cultural identity and creativity of Hastings
• Enhances the walkway’s visual appeal year round
• Ties in with yearly Bottle Alley Art Market Festival
• Engages meaningfully with the seasonal character of Bottle Alley. 

3.2 Technical Requirements 

The artwork must: 

• Use materials suitable for marine exposure and seasonal extremes
• Maintain structural and visual integrity across the two-year period
• Be safe, durable, and low maintenance
• Allow for routine cleaning and maintenance by council teams. 

3.3 Fabrication and installation 

The artist/team will: 

• Prepare surfaces as required
• Execute the artwork to a high professional standard
• Coordinate with council officers regarding scheduling, access, and safety 
• Deliver the work in phases if appropriate to the concept or seasonal strategy. 

3.4 Community Engagement (Encouraged) 

Proposals may include: 

• Workshops
• Public talks
• Participatory elements/ community activities.  

4. Budget 

The total available budget is £30,000, allocated as: 

• £15,000 for Year 1 (2026–2027)
• £15,000 for Year 2 (2027–2028) 

This budget must cover: 

• Artist fees
• Materials and fabrication
• Installation
• Assistants/subcontractors
• Travel and accommodation (if applicable)
• Public liability insurance
• Contingency. 

The council may support additional fundraising or partnerships where appropriate. The council will provide a storeroom on-site, for storage of materials and maintenance items.   

5. Eligibility 

Open to: 

• Professional artists
• Artist collectives
• Designers with public art experience
• Multidisciplinary teams. 

Applicants must demonstrate: 

• Experience delivering outdoor or largescale artworks
• Ability to work with public bodies
• Understanding of site specific and seasonal design. 

6. Selection Criteria 

Applications will be judged on five criteria, with the following weighting:

• Artistic quality & originality - 30%
• Suitability for Bottle Alley (including seasonal responsiveness) - 25%
• Durability & technical feasibility - 20%
• Community benefit - 10%
• Value for money - 15%.

7. Submission Requirements 

Applicants must submit PDFs containing: 

• Artist Statement (max 500 words)
• Concept Proposal with sketches or visualisations
• Seasonal Response Statement
• Technical Approach (materials, methods, maintenance)
• Budget Breakdown
• Timeline
• Portfolio (up to ten relevant works)
• Two references.

PDF submissions should be emailed to strategicprojects@hastings.gov.uk. Please note there is a 30MB file size limit so please ensure PDFs are smaller than this - multiple PDFs can be sent on separate emails if required.

8. Timeline 

Request for projects issued - 18 February 2026

Deadline for questions - 20 March 2026

Submission deadline - 29 March 2026

Shortlisting - 17 April 2026

Award of commission - 8 May 2026

Project start - 11 May 2026

Transition period - May to June 2026

Project completion - 31 March 2028

9. Contact 

Email: strategicprojects@hastings.gov.uk.