Organiser Information
University of Salford Art Collection — The University of Salford Art Collection manages a growing
public art programme that connects artists with academic research, community partnerships and cultural stakeholders across Greater Manchester. Its collection includes over 900 works encompassing historical and contemporary practice and supports collaborative commissions, residencies and student development. For this project the Art Collection is working in collaboration with Network Rail, Salford City Council and Northern, bringing together infrastructure, heritage and creative placemaking expertise.
Title & Description
Artist Commission — Destination Station: Legacy Artwork for Salford Crescent Station
This open call invites artists or artist collectives to design and deliver a permanent, high‑impact artwork for the new third platform at Salford Crescent Railway Station. The artwork should commemorate the historic Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal that once ran through the site while also acting as a distinctive marker for the station — celebrating Salford’s rich industrial heritage, its contemporary cultural identity, and the station’s role as the gateway to the University and The Crescent cultural quarter.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Sculpture
- Mural
- Installation
- Sound Art
- Digital Media
- Mixed‑Media Public Art
Eligibility
Open to UK‑based artists or collectives.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Commission budget of £20,000 (including VAT if applicable) covering:
- Artist fee
- Fabrication, materials, installation, and expenses
- Optional engagement, documentatio,n and communications planning
- Supported creative development and regular coordination with the core client team (University of Salford, Network Rail, Salford City Council, Northern).
- Inclusion in future creative placemaking projects and community engagement initiatives linked to The Crescent cultural hub.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements:
Proposals should include (max 4 pages):
- Statement of Interest & Approach — initial concept direction, artistic intentions.
- Concept Visuals — sketches/mock‑ups indicative of scale, location and placement.
- Sustainability & Social Value — durability plan, environmental consideration, community resonance.
- Detailed Fee Proposal & Budget Breakdown — how the £20,000 commission will be allocated.
- High‑Level Timescale — project milestones aligned to delivery deadlines.
- Suitability & Compliance Confirmation — public liability insurance, ability to work safely on rail infrastructure, UK work eligibility.
- CV + Examples of Previous Work — up to 4 relevant works.
- Accessibility Requirements (if any) — optional support request.
How to Apply?
Submit proposals by email to:
artcollection@salford.ac.uk. Include subject line: “Salford Crescent Station Artwork”
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
- Shortlist Interviews: 17 March 2026
- Artist Selection Announced: March 2026
- On‑Site Kick‑Off Meeting: 31 March 2026
- Development Phase: April–June 2026
- Final Proposal & Approval: July 2026
- Delivery & Installation: August 2026
- Station Opening & Artwork Launch: September 2026
Location
Salford Crescent Railway Station, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The artwork must satisfy a planning condition requiring commemoration of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at this historic site.
- Artists should plan for installation not exceeding three consecutive days on site.
- Materials and methods must be durable, low‑maintenance, and environmentally conscious.
- The project team may organise a site visit for the selected artist before detailed design.
- Engagement documenting the creative process (visuals, social content) forms part of the commission archive.
