Organizer Information:
Unite Students. The commission is for a new pocket park at Hawthorne House in Stratford, London Borough of Newham. Hawthorne House is a 36-storey, purpose-built student accommodation scheme providing 716 bedrooms alongside a new sixth form academy.
Title & Description:
Applications are open for the Hawthorne House Public Art Commission.
The vision for this commission is to create a site-specific, community-embedded permanent public artwork that reflects Stratford’s diversity, supports learning and empowerment, and enhances the site’s public realm. During the design phase, the selected creative practitioner will facilitate a series of co-design workshops with local stakeholders to collaboratively shape the concept and design of the artwork.
Category:
Public Art & Community Engagement.
Eligibility & Strict Constraints:
- Geography: Applicants MUST be Newham-based (defined strictly as individuals who were born or raised, or who currently live, work, or study in the London Borough of Newham).
- Who: Individual artists, groups, or collectives.
- Technical: Below-ground foundations are NOT permitted for this artwork; the piece must be securely fixed to the ground above surface level. Additionally, the final artwork must not exceed the height of the tallest section of fencing facing the railway.
- Legal & Professional: Must have the legal right to work in the UK, hold valid Public Liability Insurance, and have demonstrable experience delivering similar public art projects and community co-design.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Total Commission Budget: £55,000 (exclusive of VAT).
- Budget Coverage: This budget is fully inclusive of creative practitioner fees, design work, materials, fabrication, installation, preparation/facilitation of three engagement sessions, contingency costs, and all additional disbursements.
Application Requirements:
Submissions must be compiled into a single PDF (maximum 15MB) containing the following:
- Artist Statement, CV, and Bio (Max 1 A4 Page).
- Project, Delivery and Implementation Plan (Max 4 A4 Pages): Detail your delivery plan, understanding of the brief, high-level design concept, approach to integrating community co-design, and project management timeline.
- Examples of Past Work (Max 2 A4 Pages): Demonstrate experience with similar projects over the past 10 years, including budget, community engagement, and imagery.
- Cost and Budget (Max 2 A4 Pages): Provide an indicative budget not exceeding £55,000.
- Confirmations: A statement confirming your eligibility (Newham status, UK work eligibility, availability, and insurance), plus a link to your online portfolio.
How to Apply?
Email your complete PDF submission to hawthornehouse@andlondon.net. Please title your subject line: ‘[Your Name] Open Call Hawthorne House’.
Key Dates:
- Clarification Questions Deadline: March 24, 2026.
- Application Deadline: April 7, 2026 (Midnight).
- Shortlist Review: Week commencing April 27, 2026.
- Final Appointment: May 2026.
- Design & Engagement Period: May – July 2026.
- Installation: Late August 2026.
Location:
Hawthorne House, Stratford, London Borough of Newham, UK.
Contact Information:
Email for Submissions & Questions: hawthornehouse@andlondon.net