Artist Opportunity: Parliament Street Cabinet Boxes

York Business Improvement District (BID) has secured permission from the City of York Council to vinyl wrap a series of cabinet boxes on Parliament Street in central York. We are looking to work with a local digital artist to design the artwork, adding colour and a local feel to York’s busiest street.

AIMS

York BID is committed to increasing the provision of public art in York and launched the York Art 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 destination points and encouraging exploration.
• Promote York as a top cultural destination by showcasing the city’s unique history and identity through art.

Collectively, the artworks celebrate the people and stories that have made York what it is today and are shaping its future.

THEME

Parliament Street is one of York’s main shopping streets, popular with residents and visitors and home to many events, festivals and local markets. As an area of high footfall, we are interested in submissions that celebrate York’s unique identity and the stories that make York the city it is today.

This is the second project the BID has commissioned to update street furniture. Last year, we worked with acclaimed street artist, Hazard0ne, to repaint cabinet boxes on The Stonebow. The project celebrated York’s world-leading stained-glass heritage through art. We are open to your creative ideas but are keen that the designs are cohesive and have a clear focus.

FINANCES

The BID welcomes proposals up to £3,000 to cover the artist’s fees (excluding VAT). The BID will cover the print and vinyl wrapping costs using our trusted partner.

LOCATIONS

The cabinet boxes offer diverse canvases of varying shapes and sizes (approximately 1 metre tall and 1.3 metres wide on average). We are looking for submissions that encourage exploration and engagement with the artwork.

Follow the link to view examples of the cabinet boxes and the spaces available. There are up to 20 boxes and bins available, but you are welcome to develop an existing artwork and/or repeat designs across multiple boxes: https://www.theyorkbid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Photos-Only.pdf

SELECTION PROCESS

This paper is an open invitation to all artists, although experience in digital art or art installations in the public realm 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. If known images are used, 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 information below to info@theyorkbid.com by 5pm on Friday 1^st August.

1. A copy of your CV

2. A proposed concept design, including your vision for the artworks and how you will respond to the brief
3. Preliminary sketches or mood boards illustrating your initial ideas for the design
4. Examples of your relevant past work
5. Cost summary

PROPOSED TIMELINE

Open Call Closes: 5pm Friday 1^st August

Appointment of Successful Artist: Friday 8^th August

Refinement of Final Design: Monday 1^st September

Installation and Unveiling: September 2025. Dates TBC

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

• Artists must be 18 or over.
• The designs must be visually impactful and demonstrate a high level of skill.
• Designs must not feature any religious, political, or commercial elements, or feature any content which may be considered offensive, controversial, or unsuitable for all audiences.

ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS

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

York BID reserves 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 or designers that bid for this project.

EXAMPLES FROM OTHER CITIES

Here are some examples that inspired the project:

https://www.lydiacaprani.com/hull-signal-cab-artwork

https://www.lydiacaprani.com/doorstep

https://photographicjournalism.com/2021/06/10/painting-the-towns-boxes-how-a-volunteer-scheme-took-over-leeds/

Portraits of Leicester Community to decorate the City | BID Leicester

CONTACT DETAILS

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

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