A COMMUNITY group is appealing for artists to send in designs for a kinetic sculpture for its new sensory garden with the chance to win £5,000.

The competition is being run by the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens in Somerhill Road, Hove.

They are looking for a “landmark construction which will encourage visitors and appeal to the target audience of the sensory garden.”

The sculpture must be made of sustainable materials and should be wind, solar or water powered.

It must move without external power sources and any incidental sound should be in keeping with the space and be gentle and soothing.

Pippa Smith, chairwoman of the group, said: “This is the first artist-led installation in the park and I am really excited to see what submissions we receive.

"Brighton and Hove is bursting with creative talent and designing a kinetic sculpture for the park’s sensory garden, is a wonderful opportunity to showcase that talent.

“St Ann’s Well Gardens holds many events throughout the year to promote the arts and we are delighted to offer £5000 for the winning submission.

“The sensory garden layout and planting is designed to promote good mental health and wellbeing as well as providing a peaceful place for the more vulnerable members of our community.

“A kinetic sculpture will add to the beauty of the space and enhance the enjoyment of folk walking through the park. We were keen to promote the use of sustainable materials and design, to underline our commitment to creating and preserving a green environment.”

The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 3 May and the Friends are asking for a preliminary sketch and an outline of costing, plus a link to any previous work. The shortlisted artists/makers will be given £100 to work up their ideas in detail for review by the Friend’s Committee.

St Ann’s Well Gardens have a wide range of native and exotic trees giving the gardens their “unique character and providing shelter and tranquillity for wildlife”.

Nature conservation is important in the park - there are designated fenced off areas, a scented garden for the visually impaired and a well-stocked pond with a biological filter system.

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