New hospital appeals for ideas from local artists

Combe Valley Hospital is set to open in Bexhill in 2026

Artists in East and West Sussex are being encouraged to come forward to design and produce a bespoke art piece for a new hospital.

Combe Valley Hospital is opening in Bexhill at the start of 2026 to provide adult mental health services and a permanent art piece has been planned for the reception space of the 54-bed site.

Candidates shortlisted from the first stage will be given £2,500 to present a proposal, and up to £60,000 will be given to the selected project.

Lucy Wells, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's (SPFT) arts project manager, said: "We want this artwork to help create a sense of welcome and improved wellbeing for patients, staff and visitors to the hospital."

Artists can express their interest via SPFT's website until midday on 22 June.

The successful project, which should have the theme of "the natural world", will be selected by the beginning of September.