Commission for public art at Cornhill, Market Square
We are looking for an artist or artists, working in the public realm, to develop concepts and designs for artwork to transform the air space above Cornhill leading to Market Square, in Chelmsford city centre.
About the commission
This opportunity is to develop an artwork that significantly contributes to the design and environment of the Cornhill, which leads to Market Square. (Cornhill is part of the main frontage to the indoor market.)
It will be either:
- a suspended artwork at Cornhill between the multi-storey car park and High Chelmer shopping centre, or
- a work that attaches to the multi-storey façade along the length of the vibrant Chelmsford market
We will invite artists to consider how the work can reflect diverse local stories, cultural heritage, and the community’s connection to the site. We are looking for a work that creates a landmark that fosters pride and belonging.
The artwork could be a single work, or made up of several elements which could cover the whole space, or parts of it.
The type of artwork we are particularly interested in for this commission would include light and illumination, vibrancy and colour, reflection and kinetic movement. It should provide a sense of connectivity and orientation, celebrate the site location, and contribute to civic ownership of the public realm.
Your approach should be informed by the site context, and discussion with us and our stakeholders. Any works would need to be practically achievable without compromising the building structure or the public space. It should also be safe and maintainable on a reasonable basis and within the budget.
The artwork will be owned and maintained by us (unless advised otherwise).
Public engagement for the project
We have a complementary commission for an Essex-based public engagement artist, as public engagement is integral to the project. You would need to work with them to ensure local input into the project’s inception, development and its legacy.
The development of the work will be shaped by dialogue and engagement with the people who use and value this space. This will help ensure that the artwork resonates with Chelmsford’s sense of identity and place.
The role of the public engagement artist is to gather stories, insights and creative responses. These will directly inspire and inform the foundation of the commissioned artist(s)’ design work.
Along with the public engagement artist, you will need to incorporate relevant content into the final design.
You will also need to provide mentorship, skills and professional development to support the public engagement artist’s career.
Market Square and Cornhill are part of the city centre circuit. The spaces were formed in the 1970s, when the High Chelmer Shopping Centre and Chelmsford’s Indoor Retail Market with car park above were built.
The square is an important public open space and thoroughfare. It is part of the shopping core of the city centre, connected to the park and Chelmsford library and is on the walking route to the Essex Cricket Club Ground. It is popular but quite a low-key civic space.
The mature plane trees and benches within the square provide shade and seating, popular during the open hours of High Chelmer shopping centre and the market stalls.
The space is bustling during usual business hours with market stalls spilling out of the ground floor. However, out of hours, the passageway and market square offer little attraction to draw in passers-by. During these periods, the space is absent of identity and redundant in purpose, particularly during the evening.
West Square was re-named Market Square in 1999 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Chelmsford being granted a market charter by the King.
The ‘market’ originally was in the high street opposite Shire Hall. Market Square/High Chelmer is the past site of the cattle market that existed in the early 20th century. The area remains an important commercial centre today.
You can also view the following links for reference:
We will appoint the artist or artists using a competitive interview process. The shortlist will include up to five artists, followed by an interview.
Timeline
- Deadline for expression of interest: 5pm on Thursday 9 April 2026
- Interview date: Tuesday 12 May 2026
- Public engagement: June 2026 (led by engagement artist)
- Design concepts developed: July to end of August 2026
- Planning consultation: Autumn 2026
- Fabrication and installation timeline: January 2027
Budget
- Artist fees: £15,000
- Production, manufacture and installation costs: £56,000
These figures do not include VAT.
How to apply
If you are interested in this commission, you need to submit no more than two A4 pages outlining your interest, relevant experience and what your approach would be to applications@kathandcompany.co.uk. You should also include a summary CV and/or link to your website.