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Commoning the Programme 2: Digital Artist Commission, Hastings Commons Neighbourhood Ventures Ltd.

  •  South East
  •  £10k-15k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes January 19, 2026
  •  Katie Dale-Everett
  •  obx@hastingscommons.com
  • #Digital media

Description

Job Summary

We are seeking expressions of interest from digital artists to create new artwork to be presented in Hastings. Applications are welcome from solo artists, as well as pairs who wish to collaborate. This brief has been designed by a group of local refugees and asylum seekers.

Job Description

Brief:

Type of work: The commission will be for new digital work(s) that explore one or more of the following mediums:

  • Photography,
  • Film,
  • Interactive Art,
  • Gaming

We would like this work to have a long-term legacy in some way online which enables people from all around the world to learn about and/or participate in the project.

We are also interested in the work involving an exchange of some kind (e.g. notes, objects or movement).

Theme: We are seeking artwork that celebrates the idea of community and family extending beyond individual households into the wider world. We invite artists to explore and respond to any of the following themes:

  • Are we all in one boat?
  • We are all nature,
  • Finding beauty in the process,
  • Human connection,
  • Living without boundaries,
  • Memory-making and shared experiences.

We welcome creative interpretations that highlight togetherness, belonging, and the ways we are interconnected.

Audience: This commission outcome is intended for family audiences. We are looking for work that helps families connect with others in the local area and supports the creation of collective, positive memories. We want participants and viewers to leave feeling more connected, grounded, and balanced.

The ideal piece offers something playful, engaging, and fun for children, while also carrying a deeper layer of meaning. It should invite people of all ages to experience a sense of togetherness.

We would love to hear your responses on how to make this work inclusive to all audiences, with particular focus on ensuring it is accessible to everyone.

Location: The panel's preference is for the outcome of this commission to be presented in a public space where there is regular footfall. If your idea can work outside, that would be great (with consideration of March weather), but we are also open to hearing ideas for indoor works.

Community Engagement: We would love for the community to be involved in the creation of the work in some way.

Job Requirements

To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Have experience of showing work publicly, although we will welcome applications from both established and emerging artists.
  • Live and/or have a demonstrable connection to the local area in Hastings or a coastal town between Rye and Brighton.
  • Have capacity to make the work to be presented on the 28th and 29th of March 2026.
  • Be available for all of the key dates below.
  • Have your own public liability insurance of at least 5 million and you will need to complete a risk assessment for the work.
  • Be able to make and produce the work with support from the team at OBX.
  • Be able to realise your concept within the budget allocated.

Budget: Up to £10,000. This will need to cover:

  • Artist Fee
  • Community Engagement Costs
  • Artist Feeccess
  • Marketing
  • Materials
  • Contingency

You will need to specify how much funding you need (e.g. the panel could fund 2 x £5,000 commissions or 1 x £10,000) depending on the applications submitted.

Job Responsibilities

STAGE ONE

  • Application Submission Deadline: Monday 19th January 2026

STAGE TWO

  • Stage Two Meet the Panel Sessions: Tuesday 27th January 2026: 18.30 - 20.15 (if shortlisted you will be given a 25 minute slot)

DELIVERY DATES

  • Selected artist meet with panel for concept development session: Tuesday 3rd February 2026: 18.30 - 20.30
  • Create work: February - March 2025
  • OBX Connects Speaker: Thursday 26th March 2026: 18.30 - 20.30
  • Art Work open to the public: Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th March 2026
  • Commoning the Programme 2 Celebration Event: Tuesday 31st March 2026: 18.30 - 20.30

Please also consider time to install the artwork as needed.

Your time spent on the project depends on your idea however we do not expect the artist to work more than 30 days on the project (225 hours).

How to Apply

The first stage is an expression of interest only. If you get shortlisted to stage 2 you will receive £150 towards your time expanding your idea to present to the group. Four artists will be shortlisted.

Visit our website for the full brief, criteria and application details: https://hastingscommons.com/programmes/obx

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