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Creative Brief for North Street Gardens Mural

18 March 2025

York BID and partners are commissioning a mural project for North Street Gardens to mark the centenary of Joseph Rowntree and his significant contributions to the city of York, with a particular focus on the gardens and its history.

Project partners: York BID, York Cares, City of York Council Eco Team, Nestle, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Society

AIMS

York BID is committed to increasing the provision of public art in York and launched the York Mural Trail last summer. The primary aims of the trail are to:

  • Enhance local and visitor experience by improving the visual appeal of York’s shopping streets.
  • Attract and engage visitors by creating new points of interest and encouraging exploration.
  • Promote York as a cultural destination by showcasing the city’s unique history and identity through art.

Collectively, the murals will tell the story of York and celebrate the people and stories that have made York what it is today and are shaping its future.

THEME

North Street Gardens, a tranquil green space and hidden gem in the city centre, was generously gifted to York by Joseph Rowntree to improve the lives of factory workers. This project will revitalise the gardens and bring a renewed energy to the space through art and creativity. The hope of the project partners is that the mural/s will inspire, educate, and become a much-loved York landmark for residents and visitors alike. We are particularly interested in submissions that celebrate:

  • The history of the gardens and evolution into a public green space in the centre of York.
  • Joseph Rowntree’s legacy: Highlighting his social impact and commitment to community.
  • Environmental stewardship: Emphasising the importance of green spaces and sustainability.
  • Community wellbeing: Showcasing the gardens as a place for connection and relaxation.
  • Innovation and philanthropy: Celebrating the spirit of giving back that inspired the creation of the gardens.

Artists are encouraged to bring their own unique style and creative interpretations to this opportunity.

This mural project is part of a wider initiative to enhance North Street Gardens, which launched as part of the York Cares Big Community Challenge last Autumn. You can read more about the project here: https://www.theyorkbid.com/new-murals-unveiled-in-yorks-north-street-gardens/.

FINANCES

This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Nestle. The project team welcomes submissions up to £4,000 to cover the artist’s fees, materials, and equipment.

LOCATION

What3Words: https://w3w.co/door.unions.moment

The garden walls offer diverse canvases of varying shapes and sizes. The primary focus of the project is the riverside wall, featuring sections from 6×1 metres up to 22-metres. Artists are invited to propose either one large mural that uses a significant portion of this wall, or a series of smaller murals distributed across multiple locations within the gardens. We encourage submissions that creatively utilise these spaces to encourage exploration and engagement with the artwork.

Follow the link to view photos of the gardens and wall space available: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IK_E04Pd2wMrlHYEMeJ-6C8x-hgu4K4F?usp=sharing

SELECTION PROCESS

This paper is an open invitation to all artists, although experience in mural art or art installations in the public realm, particularly collaborative projects, is preferred.

Submissions will be marked on the following:

  • The artist’s level of experience (20%)
  • The artist’s body of work and style (20%)
  • Understanding of the brief (20%)
  • Innovation and originality (20%)
  • Cost (20%)

Submissions should be unique to the artist and be a completely new artwork. If known images are used that do not belong to the artist, it is the artist’s responsibility to obtain legal permissions and pay any associated fees with using those images. If selected, artists will be required to provide evidence of this.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this project, please email the following information to Rachel at Rachel.Bean@theyorkbid.com by 5pm on Tuesday 15th April.

  1. A copy of your CV
  2. A proposed concept design, including your vision for the mural and how you will respond to the project goals.
  3. Concept Sketches: Preliminary sketches or mood boards illustrating your initial ideas for the mural design.
  4. Examples of your relevant past work, including murals, large-scale installations, or other creative projects.
  5. Cost summary

PROPOSED TIMELINE

Open Call Closes: 5pm, Tuesday 15th April

Appointment of Successful Artist: Friday 25th April

Refinement of Final Design: Friday 23rd May

Installation and Unveiling: From Monday 26th May

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

  • Artists must be 18 or over
  • The mural must be visually impactful and demonstrate a high level of skill
  • Murals must not feature any religious, political, or commercial elements, or feature any content which may be considered offensive, controversial, or unsuitable for all audiences
  • The artist will need to install the artwork in situ and be able to provide evidence of public liability insurance

ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS

York BID has the right to use images of the mural during installation and on completion for marketing and promotional purposes. In all uses of theme images, the artist will be credited.

York BID has the right to make suggestions to the proposed design should any issues be identified (actual or perceived) that may be cause for concern.

York BID is not required to offer work or financial compensation to any or all artists that bid for this project.

CONTACT DETAILS

Rachel Bean
Project Manager, York BID
Rachel.Bean@theyorkbid.com
01904 809970

York BID cannot meet with any prospective applicants prior to the submission deadline.

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