BD:Walls is a series of public art installations across the Bradford District on a range of scales over the next two years. The installations will transform the visual identity of Bradford and create a public street gallery that is vibrant, relevant and connected to the people of Bradford District. We are currently recruiting a Lead Artist for our first commission.

We hope BD:Walls will contribute towards:

• Pride – increasing the pride people feel in their city
• Wellbeing - through increased engagement with art for people from all backgrounds
• Social cohesion – promoting empathy and understanding by celebrating diversity
• Attracting visitors – showcasing Bradford as a creative, colourful and welcoming place to visit

Who can Apply?

Lead artist applicant criteria:

• Artists with experience producing large-scale public art pieces.
• Artists may be based anywhere in the world, though they must be able to demonstrate an interest in exploring themes and experiences related to Bradford.  

Hall Ings Street Art

The first BD:Walls street art commission will be located on Hall Ings road as part of developments to the Bradford Interchange train station. Bradford is set to benefit from a series of transport schemes aimed at transforming the city centre and making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport. This includes a new, high-quality pedestrian entrance to Bradford Interchange on Hall Ings road, transforming access to the area and improving the Interchange as a key gateway to the city.

Construction has now begun, starting with the demolition of the NCP Car Park on Hall Ings. The hoarding bordering this area of construction is the location for the first BD:Walls commission.

Fee: up to £2,500, plus material expenses. Install will be carried out by the Bradford Council team under instruction and supervision of the Lead Artist.

Timeline: the deadline for applications is Monday 7 August 2023 at 9am. Project to be complete by early Autumn 2023. The hoarding is already installed and will remain place until early 2024, and we are looking into possibilities for re-use of the hoarding at other construction sites after this time.

Location of the artwork: The hoarding is located on Hall Ings road at the NCP carpark (Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 5SD.) It is smooth coated plywood in 2.4 metre high x 1.2 metre wide panels, with a total length of just over 60 metres. Considering access requirements to the site, our preferred plan is for the artwork to be created off site and then affixed to the hoarding.

The Brief

The Lead Artist will:

• Design and create an artwork for the specified location within the agreed timeframe, including a review and sign off process with the project team.
• Familiarise themselves with Bradford in order to create a piece which is relevant and appealing to local people, for example, through gaining an understanding of Bradford’s communities and local history.
• Be shadowed by an early career artist as part of a development programme.
• Provide a maintenance plan detailing how the artwork should be maintained after project if appropriate.

We are currently asking local people what Bradford means to them. The themes that come out of this consultation can be used to inspire and guide the Lead Artist’s thinking.

You will be supported throughout the project by Cultural Producer, Aisling Serrant, and other members of Bradford Council’s Culture, Policy & Events team.

The deadline for applications is Monday 7 August 2023 at 9am.

Selection will take place in early August, we may invite shortlisted artists for an informal conversation before a final decision.