Westward Ho! Public Art Project

Westward Ho! is a vibrant village on the Atlantic coast within the Northern Devon UNESCO Biosphere.

Please ensure that all the information on this page on Torridge District Council's website and the accompanying artist briefing Westward Ho! Public Art Survey Results Summary is read before an Expression of Interest is submitted.

About you

We're looking for an artist to engage with a growing, multi-generational community shaped by an increase in new housing and seasonal visitors attracted to the two-mile sandy beach and distinctive Pebble Ridge along a key stretch of the South West Coast Path.

Artists from South West England and across the UK are welcome to apply. What matters most is your fit with the brief and selection criteria, and your willingness to spend time with the people and places of Westward Ho!

Public realm experience would be a strong advantage, especially where work has been developed through high-quality creative engagement. Community involvement in the design process will be essential.

The selected artist will work with Westward Ho!'s community steering group and creative participants to develop an original, site-specific public artwork for the village.

How to express an interest

Please send:

• A maximum 400 word statement outlining:
• Your interest in this commission.
• Your immediate response to the community survey data and what you might look to explore through your artistic practice.
• Your approach to working with communities.
• Two examples of similar projects or commissions you have completed (maximum 2 A4 pages). URL links preferred.
• Your CV or link to online portfolio.

Please email your Expression of Interest, with the Subject Line 'Westward Ho! Public Art Expression of Interest' to:
Claire Gulliver, Cultural Development Officer, Torridge District Council claire.gulliver@torridge.gov.uk (NB: Claire works Thursdays only)

Closing Date for EOIs: 5 October 2026 12 noon.

Your Expression of Interest should include your immediate response to Westward Ho!'s natural environment or history - themes which were rated in a community survey as being the most important aspects of Westward Ho! to reflect in public art. Activities, pastimes and community life were also felt to be important.

Selection and Development Process

• Call for Expression of Interest (this document). Closing date: 5 October 2026, 12 noon
• The Project Steering Group will select a shortlist of three artists. The se three artists will receive a 'pitch fee' of £500 to develop an outline concept. Indicative Closing Date: 11 December
• The Project Steering Group will select a Lead Artist they wish to commission from the shortlist of three, based on their 'pitch'
• The selected Lead Artist will develop proposals alongside the local community, drawing on local knowledge and experience
• Planning consent sought
• Final proposals will be considered by Torridge District Council Community & Resources Committee before detailed design and fabrication.

Fee

Artist Design Fee: £15k

Fabrication and Installation £30k

Artist fees (community engagement) £5k