Call for Expressions of Interest
Artists, designers, and creative practitioners are asked to submit proposals for a new permanent sculpture to be located in the central pedestrian walkway of Piccadilly. This commission forms part of the ongoing commitment to enhance the cultural and aesthetic value of public space, as outlined in the Urban Environment Statue Enhancement Strategy 2025–2035.
Project Intent
The sculpture should offer a visually distinctive focal point that enriches the pedestrian experience, complements the architectural context, and reflects Piccadilly’s historical and contemporary identity. Works that engage viewers through scale, form, or interpretive content are encouraged, provided they remain accessible to audiences without specialist art historical knowledge. We prefer a work that takes into account the many pigeons that will land on it, though we will not accept dovecotes or any other bird-box arrangement.
Technical Considerations
• The work must be fabricated in materials able to withstand sustained exposure to urban weather conditions, intermittent low-level physical contact from the public and far from infrequent pigeonal strutting.
• Dimensions should not impede existing pedestrian flow too much. (The committee regards anything so large that pedestrians have to step into the road to pass it as probably too big.)
• Integrated sound, light, or movement features will be considered, though proposals must demonstrate that such elements will not cause undue disruption to neighbouring properties, retail activity, or migratory bird patterns.
Budget
Up to £75,000 inclusive of design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and all required insurances. The successful artist will also receive a pair of Wellington boots, two free tickets to the Royal Academy’s Summer Show and unlimited coffees* at the nearby Froche Patisserie.
Eligibility
Open to UK-based and international artists aged 18+. Collaborative submissions are accepted. Previous experience in producing large-scale outdoor works is desirable but not essential if supported by a clear technical plan.
Submission Requirements
• Concept statement (max. 25 words)
• Visual representations of proposed work (sketches, renders, or photographs of maquettes)
• Preliminary budget breakdown
• Statement confirming no element of the work will emit persistent humming, buzzing, or pre-recorded political speeches
Key Dates
• Deadline for submissions: 15 October 2025
• Notification of selected proposal: 1 November 2025
• Target installation: March 2026, subject to weather, availability of specialist equipment, and absence of major civic events requiring walkway closure
Enquiries and Submissions
Entry by email only. Postal submissions are not accepted due to processing constraints and recent guidance on unmarked packages. To guarantee the safety of our employees, any such packets will be blown up by the Public Art Protection Foundation and the resultant ashes sent back to the artist by first-class post.
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*In this case unlimited is interpreted as five.