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This is an open call for an artist to create a mural on a wall facing the historic city walls behind The Telegraph pub on Forth Street.
What is the opportunity?
This is an open call for a visual artist to create a mural on a wall facing the historic City Walls behind the Telegraph Pub on Forth Street, located behind Central Station in Newcastle.
The commission is part of the Central Gateway Connectivity project, which is improving routes around Newcastle Central Station, including Orchard Street Tunnel, Forth Street Tunnel and Forth Street itself. It is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Homes England.
The theme for this commission is Nature vs Industry. Artists are invited to respond to the tension, relationship and coexistence between Newcastle’s industrial heritage and the presence of nature within the urban environment.
Read the guidelines for more information about the site and theme.
The commission is for 1 mural to be painted directly onto the wall surface. The artwork must be designed and painted by the selected artist.
Who is it for?
This opportunity is for visual artists interested in creating significant public artwork in Newcastle city centre.
We welcome applications from artists across the UK, but are particularly interested in artists who are based in, work in, or have strong links to the North East region.
The selected artist must be able to complete the artwork between September and December 2026 (exact dates to be agreed with the Creative Central NCL team).
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for an artist who can create a distinctive, site-responsive artwork that:
- responds to the theme of Nature vs Industry
- considers the site’s industrial industrial innovation and history, which includes Stephenson’s Rocket and the development of railways, the nearby cultural and historical landmarks such as the Boiler Shop, Pattern Shop, The Common Room and the Lit & Phil and the City Walls
- explores the contrasts between mechanical/industrial forms and organic/natural elements
- animates the street environment and sparks curiosity or conversation.
Full details about the site, theme, surface and practical requirements are included in the guidelines, read them here.
What are the non-negotiable criteria?
Your proposal must:
- be an original artwork created for the wall behind The Telegraph pub on Forth Street
- respond to the theme of Nature vs Industry
- be deliverable between September and December 2026
- be able to be painted directly onto the brick wall
What support is included?
The selected artist will receive:
- £3,000 total commission fee, including design, materials and painting
- varnishing of the finished artwork, carried out by Creative Central NCL (unless you prefer to do it yourself)
- support with permits
- promotion via Creative Central NCL social media and communications activity
Application process
The deadline for applications is 9am (BST) on Monday 24 August 2026.
Applications should be the equivalent of one side of A4 or a maximum two-minute audio/video recording, and must include:
- a brief artist bio
- links to your previous work or portfolio
- a summary of your idea and how it responds to the brief
- a quick sketch of your idea, or supporting images that help explain your approach
If your proposal involves the use of AI, you must clearly state this and describe the extent of its use. AI-generated images should not be used as your sketch or as example images.
Submitting your application
Send your application to:
Subject line: Central Square Frame
If you have questions or access needs, contact:
Vikki Leaney vikki.leaney@newcastle.gov.uk
Anna Czigler anna.czigler@newcastle.gov.uk
Key dates
- Application deadline: 9am (BST) on Monday 24 August 2026
- Shortlisting: week commencing 7 September 2026
- Artist notified: week commencing 14 September 2026
- Project delivery: between September and December 2026
Before you apply
Please read the full guidelines before starting your application here.
The guidelines give more details on the location, the theme, what to include in your application and how the process will work.