Vibrancy Artwork Commission Opportunity

Background and context

A positive experience when visiting a city is essential to improve reputation, increase footfall and encourage repeat visits. Commissioned artworks can create eye-catching interventions within the public realm, which surprise and engage, connecting people and place, whilst changing the look and feel of the city centre.

In the last year two transformational projects opened in Derby City Centre: the new 3,500 capacity Becketwell Arena and the refurbished Derby Market Hall. Alongside these projects a range of public realm works are underway to enhance the look and feel of the city centre and improve the visitor experience. Within these public realm works we are looking to commission building artworks in a number of prominent locations. These have the aim of building pride in place and engagement in local culture and community.

We are seeking proposals for the following opportunities:

• Mural artworks on East Street bridge and Bold Lane substation (specification can be found in Appendix 1).
• Street canopy installation on Irongate (specification can be found in Appendix 2).

The buildings listed in Appendix 1 are the priority locations. However, we will consider artwork proposals for other properties within Derby city centre. It will be essential that permission is in place from the owner of the building to complete the artwork on their property at the time of application. The building owner will normally be different to the business occupying the property – it is the owner that must provide permission. To discuss an alternative artwork location, email amelia.carter@derby.gov.uk.

Thematic guidance

We are seeking proposals from artists experienced in delivering public realm artworks. Thematic guidance is provided to help inform proposals.

We are interested in seeing creative responses to the space and context of the artwork location. Appendix 1 contains further information relating to thematic considerations for specific locations.

A new city narrative is emerging of Derby the Pioneering City.

Derby has a long history of firsts powered by trailblazers and can-doers. From global engineering technologies, to inventing manufacturing processes, from transformative arts to groundbreaking healthcare, Derby has been quietly, yet consistently, changing the world for hundreds of years. The people of the city have never stopped dreaming and making, they continue to forge a new path and break new ground so others can follow. Today we see a vibrant collective of Derby pioneers taking the city forward in increasingly sustainable, innovative and creative ways.

We would be interested to receive proposals that reflect this pioneering spirit, portraying the people and movements and innovations of Derby past and present.

Derby has a number of award-winning green spaces and the River Derwent flows through the centre of the city. Connection with nature is recognised for supporting wellbeing and positive mental health. We would be interested to receive proposals that bring flora, fauna and wildlife into the city centre.

Ensuring diversity is visible and celebrated builds pride in a city and ensures people feel included and welcomed. We would be interested to receive proposals that will help the city centre to reflect the cultural identity of our communities.

How to apply

It is expected that applicants will have experience of delivering commissions of similar scale within public realm locations.

Whilst our preference is for Derby-based artists we recognise the specialist nature of the commissions and the short timescales for delivery. We will therefore consider proposals from artists based further afield. We are however keen for the commissions to develop experience of local artists, therefore the option to recruit any assistant roles locally should be considered.

Key dates:

• Deadline for submission of proposals is 10am on 5 August 2026.
• We aim to complete assessments and issue decision letters by 7 August 2026.
• Project delivery must be completed by 28 September 2026.

Applicants will need to include a breakdown on how they plan to deliver the works within the timeframe available.

In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to consider applications where the proposed deadline exceeds 28 September 2026. If you believe you have a great idea for an artwork but cant deliver within the timeframes this should be communicated before submitting an application by emailing amelia.carter@derby.gov.uk.

Completing the application form

Please answer all questions in the application form, providing relevant information to allow us to clearly understand and assess your proposal. Proposals can be submitted for more than one location, these should be done as separate applications.

Supporting information

Your proposal should include a visualisation of your design showing it in the context of the building. You should explain the ideas behind your design and where appropriate, how it links to the suggested themes. We will accept preliminary or concept designs at application stage, with the understanding these would be worked up to final designs if selected.

You should also provide examples of your previous work relevant to this commission as a PDF (maximum 4 sides of A4), alongside links to website or Instagram account.

Budget breakdown

Please provide a breakdown of all costs associated with the project including development of final designs, materials, access requirements for the installation and any other appropriate costs.

The following maximum budget allocations have been made:

• East Street Bridge – proposals are sought with a value up to £10k.
• Substation adjacent to St Werburgh’s Church, Bold Lane – proposals are sought with a value up to £4k.
• Installation on Iron gate infrastructure up to £10k.

Assessment of proposals will consider whether the budget is realistic and appropriate. You should therefore make a clear and concise case to justify the level of funding requested.

Submitting your application

Once you have completed your application please sign the declaration and collate all relevant supporting information. These should then be emailed to amelia.carter@derby.gov.uk.

What happens next

On receipt of an application, we will undertake an initial eligibility check to ensure the application is fully complete. If your application is incomplete, we will notify you of any outstanding information required. You will be given a set time to return this information. Failure to provide this within the given time may mean your application does not progress to assessment.

We will use the responses you provide to the Information Questions and Finance Questions to assess whether there is a genuine need for the level of funding requested and the suitability of the artwork for a public realm location. We will also consider strength of the ideas behind your proposal and previous experience.

If selected, you will be expected to undertake a site visit and complete final designs for approval by the selection panel. You will also be expected to provide a health and safety risk assessment, method statement, evidence of appropriate public liability insurance, and licenses to operate access equipment (if required).

Any grant income received by a business is taxable. Therefore, funding paid under this scheme will be subject to tax. Only businesses which make an overall profit once grant income is included will be subject to tax.

The Council reserves the right not to progress with the mural artwork commissions.

If your application is not approved

We anticipate a high demand for the funding so it is unlikely we will be able to fund all applications. There is no right to appeal, and the council's decision is final. We will provide details of why your application was rejected or funded at a lower level than requested within our decision letter.