The opportunity: Help tell the story of West Bank through vibrant public art.
Following the successful completion of the Dr Creighton Hutchinson mural and building on the success of the Dukesfield murals, Halton Borough Council is seeking artists to transform three further viaduct pillars beneath the Silver Jubilee Bridge in West Bank, Widnes. The commission is funded through the Environment Fund and forms part of wider improvements to the area.
Extensive consultation has taken place with local residents, community groups, stakeholders and local historians. Through this engagement, hundreds of ideas have been gathered about the people, places, wildlife, history and future aspirations that make West Bank unique.
This commission offers an exciting opportunity for artists to interpret these stories and create a collection of striking murals that celebrate the character, heritage and future of West Bank.
They are looking for artists who can create visually impressive artwork whilst remaining authentic to the voices and stories of the local community.
The Location:
The ‘canvas’ for the delivery of a mural is a viaduct pillars below the Silver Jubilee bridge, on Parsonage Road and adjacent to the Trans Pennine Trail.
This commission offers an exciting opportunity for artists to interpret these stories and create a collection of striking murals that celebrate the character, heritage and future of West Bank.
They are looking for artists who can create visually impressive artwork whilst remaining authentic to the voices and stories of the local community.
Artistic Approach:
The artwork should celebrate the shared history, heritage, environment, culture and aspirations of West Bank in a positive and inclusive manner. Artists may draw inspiration from historical buildings, places of worship, notable individuals, community organisations, cultural traditions and local heritage where these contribute to the story of West Bank.
However, the artwork should not promote, endorse or advocate any particular political party, political viewpoint, religious belief, denomination or campaign. Historical references may be included where relevant to the area’s story, but they should be presented in a balanced and interpretive way rather than as commemorative, promotional or instructional content.
The Council is seeking artwork that reflects themes and stories with broad community resonance and that can be appreciated by residents and visitors from all backgrounds.
Artists may choose to:
• Submit a proposal for one, two or all three of the viaduct pillars.
• Assign different themes to individual pillars.
• Link several themes together within a unified design.
• Create artwork that celebrates both West Bank’s heritage and its future aspirations.
• Bold, colourful and engaging designs are encouraged.
The Council is keen to create artwork that people will recognise as being uniquely connected to West Bank and that generates a sense of pride within the local community.
Artists should consider how their designs will remain visually impactful when viewed by pedestrians, cyclists and possibly people viewing the artwork from both banks of the River Mersey.
The Commission:
The Local Authority is looking to commission an artist to deliver a piece of public art. The budget for the commission is no more than £7,000 to £12,000 (depending on which pillar you submit a proposal for), including labour costs as well as costs for material, equipment and any costs associated with health and safety, and security.
You must provide a breakdown of costs in your fee proposal.
The Local Authority will place a purchase order with the successful artist to deliver the piece of public art as proposed.
The Widnes Historical Society has kindly offered to speak with any artist upon being appointed to give you more information should that be necessary.
The Council reserves the right to appoint one artist to deliver multiple pillars, or to appoint different artists to individual pillars, depending on the quality and suitability of submissions received.
Your Proposal:
Submit your proposal to leanne.crampton@halton.gov.uk including:
a) Your name and contact details.
b) Your artistic proposal including the story theme that you will focus on, a ‘sketch’ that shows the style you want to achieve for the mural (minimum one page), and a description (maximum
one page).
c) Examples of previous projects, particularly murals, Public art, Community-led commission, Large-scale artwork. Please include photographs wherever possible.
d) Your draft risk assessment and method statement, including all health & safety aspects, working at height arrangements, public liability insurance, and security of site during work.
e) Describe how you will add social value for local artists (from Halton), who do not have the right experience for such a project, by sharing transferable skills and/ or knowledge.
f) A detailed all-inclusive fee proposal showing your labour costs and costs for equipment, material and other requirements.
g) An indicative programme with a finish date no later than the end of April 2027.
Assessment Criteria
• Artistic quality and creativity (35%)
• Response to consultation findings and local identity (30%)
• Relevant experience (15%)
• Deliverability and methodology (10%)
• Social value (5%)
• Value for money (5%)
Closing date: 30 November 2026