Derby City Council is inviting artists and creatives to submit proposals for new public artworks designed to enhance the city centre for both residents and visitors.
Building on the opening of the Vaillant Live arena and the refurbished Derby Market Hall, these commissions form part of a wider programme of public realm improvements aimed at elevating the city's appeal.
By introducing eye-catching, engaging building artworks in prominent locations, the project aims to connect people with their surroundings and celebrate Derby’s local culture.
Priority locations identified for the commissions include mural artworks on East Street bridge and Bold Lane substation, as well as a street canopy installation on Irongate. While these sites have been chosen as priority locations, the Council will also consider proposals for alternative city centre properties that contribute to the vision of a vibrant, welcoming city.
Councillor Gurkiran Kaur, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Culture and Tourism, said:
Public art plays a powerful role in how people experience and feel about a city. These commissions offer artists an exciting opportunity to shape memorable, distinctive spaces that residents can take pride in and visitors will want to return to.
By transforming key locations across our city centre, we can support local businesses, boost Derby’s reputation, and strengthen the connection between people and place.
Applicants should have experience delivering public realm commissions of a similar scale. While the Council’s preference is for Derby-based artists, proposals from creatives based further afield are welcome due to the specialist nature of the projects. Applicants are encouraged to recruit assistant roles from within Derby and the surrounding area.
Interested artists must submit their application by 10am on Wednesday 5 August and will be informed if they have been successful on Friday 7 August. The projects should be completed by Monday 28 September.
Applicants must include a comprehensive project schedule demonstrating how the works will be completed within the deadline, covering design development, permissions, fabrication, and installation. Applicants proposing alternative locations must secure written permission from the legal building owner before applying.
Full opportunity specifications and application guidance are available on the Derby City Council website.