Public Art Commission - Sheepscar Beck, Leeds

Public Art Commission - Sheepscar Beck, Leeds

Mafwa Theatre Closing date: Mon, 13 Apr 2026

Artform: Visual arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
UK-wide

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Mafwa Theatre is looking for an artist to create a site-responsive public artwork for Sheepscar Beck, Leeds, co-developed with local communities, exploring climate resilience, water and place.

Job Description

Mafwa Theatre, in partnership with Leeds City Council Flood Alleviation Team, is seeking an artist with an established track record of creating engaging public artworks with a commitment to site-responsive, community-led work.

The commission is located at Sheepscar Beck, Mabgate, Leeds.

Sheepscar Beck is a key part of the city's flood alleviation infrastructure. Recent works have created a new public space, and this commission forms part of a wider programme to raise awareness of climate resilience, ecology and place through engagement with local communities.

The selected artist will create a piece of interpretive public art using metal panels integrated into the fencing along the site. The work should be visually engaging from a distance while also rewarding closer inspection, encouraging people to engage with the Beck and understand its role in preventing flooding.

The artwork will be co-created with local residents and businesses through a series of workshops.

The commission includes:
- Delivery of four community workshops
- Design development of the final artwork
- Collaboration with Mafwa Theatre, Leeds City Council and an appointed fabricator
- Production and installation of a permanent outdoor artwork

The final work will be subject to approval by Leeds City Council's Principal Designer to ensure safety and suitability for long-term public installation.

Fee & Budget:
- Artist fee: £4,550
- Production budget: £15,000

Timeline:
- Community workshops: July - September 2026
- Design development: September - November 2026
- Fabrication & installation: January 2027
- Public launch: March 2027

Job Requirements

We are looking for an artist with experience creating engaging public artworks that respond to place and involve local communities.

The selected artist will have experience in:
- Public art and site-responsive work
- Co-creation and community-led creative processes
- Designing artwork suitable for fabrication and long-term outdoor installation
- Working with fabricators and production partners
- Gathering stories, ideas or visual inspiration through engagement with communities
- We are particularly interested in artists whose practice connects with themes including climate change, biodiversity, place-making and heritage.

Artists must also hold (or be able to obtain):
- Public Liability Insurance: £10 million
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: £5 million

Job Responsibilities

The selected artist will:
- Design and deliver four community workshops with local residents and businesses
- Develop a final artwork proposal informed by community engagement
- Collaborate with Mafwa Theatre, Leeds City Council and project partners
- Work with an appointed fabricator to realise the final artwork
- Ensure the work meets safety, durability and installation requirements
- Support the delivery of a permanent public artwork within the project timeline

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Public Art Commission - Sheepscar Beck, Leeds
  • Salary: Under £10K
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Visual arts
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • Location: UK-wide

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the link below where you can read an overview of the opportunity and access the full commission pack and application form.

Applications are made via a short Google Form.

The application will ask for:
- A brief statement about your practice (max 200 words)
- A link to your online portfolio or website
- Your availability for the project timeline

Deadline: Monday 13 April 2026 at 9am

Three artists will be shortlisted and invited to develop a detailed proposal. A fee of £200 will be paid to each shortlisted artist for this stage.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to a site visit on 28 April 2026.