Artist Commission Brief: Upcycled Armchair Project Opportunity

St. George’s Arts Centre invites artists to submit proposals for the creative upcycling of an existing armchair located within the Arts Centre. The selected artist will develop an original design for the chair, which will then be professionally upholstered using custom-made covers designed by the artist.

The completed chair will become a unique artistic feature within the Arts Centre, celebrating the identity, history, community, and cultural activity of St. George’s Arts Centre.

The chair to be upcycled as shown in the image.  Artists are welcome to contact the Arts Centre to arrange a time to view and take measurements.

Design Theme

Artists are encouraged to create a design that has a meaningful connection to St. George’s Arts Centre. Possible sources of inspiration include:

• The local community and people who use the Arts Centre

• The surrounding landscape, buildings, landmarks of Gravesend

• The history and heritage of Gravesend

• The role of the Arts Centre as a cultural hub

• Performance, Exhibitions, Workshops held in the Arts Centre

Artists are welcome to interpret these themes creatively and are encouraged to propose a concept that reflects what the Arts Centre represents to them.

Functionality

Please note that the completed chair will remain in use within St. George's Arts Centre and must therefore function as both an artistic and practical piece of furniture.

Artists should ensure that their proposed design is suitable for regular public use. Materials, finishes, and upholstery should be durable, safe, and appropriate for a high-traffic public environment. While creativity and artistic expression are strongly encouraged, the comfort, usability, and longevity of the chair should also be carefully considered.

Proposals will be assessed on how successfully they balance artistic ambition with functionality and durability.

Budget:  £2500

Artists should submit a breakdown of the budget covering all aspects of the project, including but not limited to:

• Artist design and development time

• All materials and production costs

• Transportation and delivery costs

• Movement of the chair to and from upholsterers or other workspaces

• Professional upholstery services

• Installation and finishing

No additional expenses will be paid beyond the agreed commission fee.

Chair Identification

The completed chair should include a small permanent plaque identifying:

• Artist name

• Title of the work (optional)

• Year of completion

Submission Requirements

Applicants should provide:

1. A brief artist statement.

2. A visual proposal, sketch, mood board, or design concept.

3. A written explanation outlining:

·       The inspiration behind the design.

·       How the design connects to St. George’s Arts Centre, its community, landscape, history, or artistic programme.

4. A project budget showing the total inclusive commission fee.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed on:

• Artistic quality and originality

• Relevance and connection to St. George’s Arts Centre

• Feasibility of project budgets and delivery

• Durability and suitability for public display

The selected artist will work with St. George’s Arts Centre to agree project timeline and delivery arrangements.

We look forward to receiving imaginative and meaningful proposals that celebrate the spirit of St. George’s Arts Centre through this unique upcycling project.

Submission Deadline:  Monday 27^th July 2026

Submissions should be sent to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk