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Nominations for the best piece of public art in Kent have been flooding in for this year's prestigious Rouse Kent Public Art Award and now, thanks to a suggestion from the director of Tate Britain, the prize money is to be increased.

The award is given annually by the developer of the Kings Hill business park, Rouse Kent Ltd, and Kent County Council, who, together with Arts Council England, South East, have upped the prize money to £15,000.

Stephen Deuchar, director of Tate Britain, chair of this year’s judging panel, said: “The award, now in its 12th year, continues to contribute substantially to the South East’s arts programme. I was honoured to be chair of the judging panel last year and suggested that the prize money be increased in order to develop the award, by introducing new categories and in recognition of the hard work of both the commissioners and artists.

“I am delighted that Rouse Kent, Kent County Council and the Arts Council England, South East have increased their contribution to the prize money and at £15,000 it is certainly worth winning!

“I have been impressed with the standard of public art in Kent and am looking forward to viewing the entries for this year’s award.”

After the Arts Plus Prizes of up to £50,000 and the Booker Prize at £40,000, the Rouse Kent Public Art Award now ranks as the 3rd largest arts prize in the UK - and is set to increase again in 2006 to a total of £20,000.

“Now that the prize money is so substantial we have the resources to develop new categories," said Caroline Binns, marketing and leasing manager, Rouse Kent Ltd. "We are liaising with Kent County Council’s Arts Development and Arts Council England, South East about introducing an artists’ award which could be split between a mature artist and a young, budding artist.”

Also planned is an award for housebuilders. “With so much new development earmarked for Kent Thameside and Ashford, we are keen to encourage homebuilders to commission public art," said David Oxlade, head of regeneration, Kent County Council. "The importance of creating a sense of place through public art is something that has been successfully achieved at Kings Hill and we wish to see this emulated throughout the County. To this end we will be contributing a further £5,000 to the award.”

Anyone wishing to nominate a piece of public art for the Rouse Kent Public Art Award should contact Clair Bushnell of Arts Development, Kent County Council on 01622 696460. Closing date for entries is Thursday, 24 March 2005.