Street Art Commission: Bolton Town Centre

Street Art Commission: Bolton Town Centre

Bolton Council Closing date: Sun, 27 Sep 2026

Artform: Visual arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
North West
  • Full time
  • £10k-£15k

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Bolton Council is seeking to commission up to three professional street artists or graffiti artists to create large-scale murals at key locations across Bolton Town Centre.

Job Description

The commissions aim to transform three central sites (Dawes Street Skatepark, Newport Street Arcade, and Back Cheapside) through high-quality public artwork that celebrates Bolton's identity, heritage and future aspirations. The murals, which will developed from September 2026, should contribute positively to the town centre environment, create visual interest, and encourage greater pride in place among residents and visitors.

The commissioned artworks will:

1. Enhance the appearance and character of the selected sites.
2. Reflect Bolton's unique identity, history, communities and future ambitions.
3. Create vibrant, welcoming and memorable public spaces.
4. Celebrate the town's creativity, culture and sense of place.
5. Be informed by engagement with key stakeholders, including users of Dawes Street Skatepark where relevant.
6. Demonstrate artistic excellence and suitability for a public environment.

Job Requirements

As part of application all applicants will need to submit a detailed budget for each location they wish to be considered for, including:

Artist fees
Meetings with commissioners and project partners
Site visits
Community consultation and engagement activities
Design and development work
Production and installation of the mural
Materials and consumables
Equipment hires and access requirements
Travel and any other associated project costs

Please note that Artists can apply for one or more sites to transform. The budget, although detailed between 10-15k, is flexible and will be set in alignment with the artists proposed and researched fees.

Job Responsibilities

The commissioned artist(s) will be responsible for:

1. Research and Development
Working with Bolton Council and relevant stakeholders to develop an appropriate artistic approach, theme and style for the site.
2. Community Engagement
Undertaking conversations and consultation activities with relevant stakeholders, including skatepark users where applicable, to explore ideas and themes connected to Bolton's history, identity and local character.
3. Design Development
Producing concept designs, sketches and visualisations demonstrating how the proposed artwork will respond to the chosen location.
4. Delivery
Producing and installing the final mural to an agreed specification, timescale and standard. Provide a method statement and risk assessment.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Street Art Commission: Bolton Town Centre
  • Salary: £10k-£15k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Visual arts
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Sun, 27 Sep 2026
  • Location:
    North West

How to Apply

Artists should submit an Expression of Interest of no more than two sides of A4 to [email protected] with the subject 'Application: Street Art Commission', by 23:59 27/09/2026 including:

1. Project Proposal
• A brief description of the proposed concept and creative approach.
• An explanation of how the proposal responds to the aims of this brief.

2. Visual Materials
• Initial sketches, reference images, mock-ups or examples illustrating the proposed artistic style and vision.

3. Artist Information
• An up-to-date CV demonstrating relevant skills, experience and previous commissions (Please note this is included in the 2-page limit).

4. Budget
• A cost breakdown including artist fees, materials, equipment, production costs and any other expenses.

5. Previous Work
• Examples of relevant completed projects.
• Contact details for at least two referees from previous commissions.

If you have questions prior to application please email [email protected]