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Project Brief: St Helen’s Square Cabinet Boxes

21 May 2026

York Business Improvement District (BID) has secured permission to vinyl wrap a series of cabinet boxes in and around St Helen’s Square 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 public spaces.

AIMS

York BID is committed to increasing the provision of public art in York and launched the York Public Art Trail in 2024. The primary aims of the trail are to:

  • Enhance local and visitor experiences by improving the visual appeal of York’s high 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 art trail celebrates the people and stories that have made York what it is today and are shaping its future.

THEME

St Helen’s Square is one of York’s main public squares, popular with residents and visitors and home to iconic businesses, buildings, and festivals. As an area of high footfall, we are interested in submissions that celebrate York’s unique identity, community spirit, and the people and stories that make York the city it is today.

This project marks the third instalment of the BID’s ‘Outside the Box’ project, turning everyday street furniture into vibrant works of art. Last year, we worked with local artists, Leah Pendleton and Rob Stothert, to transform the cabinet boxes on Parliament Street and Piccadilly. These artists celebrated York’s hidden architecture and diverse wildlife through digital art. Previously, we have worked with Hazard0ne to spotlight York’s world-leading stained-glass heritage.

These projects demonstrate the breadth of stories that can be brought to life through this project, and Artists are encouraged to bring their own unique style and creative ideas to this project. Although the theme is broad, we have found that designs that have a specific focus, use a consistent colour palette, and that are not too intricate, work particularly well. We are looking for a cohesive design that unifies the local area.

FINANCES

Please provide a quote for developing the print-ready artwork in your submission (including VAT, if applicable). The BID will cover the print and install costs, working with our trusted partner.

LOCATIONS

The cabinet boxes offer diverse canvases of varying shapes and sizes. We encourage submissions that creatively utilise these spaces to encourage exploration and engagement with the artwork.

There are 12 boxes in total, approximately 1 metre tall and 1.3 metres wide on average. The artwork needs to cover all sides of the boxes.

SELECTION PROCESS

This paper is an open invitation to all artists, although experience in digital commissions 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 and be a completely new artwork. 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 permissions.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this project, please email the information below to Rachel.Bean@theyorkbid.com by 5pm on Friday 19th June.

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

PROPOSED TIMELINE

Open Call Closes: 5pm, Friday 19th June

Appointment of Successful Artist: Tuesday 30th June

Refinement of Final Design: Friday 31st July

Installation and Unveiling: Week commencing 1st September

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 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 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
Info@theyorkbid.com
01904 809970

York BID cannot meet with Artists prior to the submission deadline.

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