Short Description
The University of Reading is seeking Expressions of Interest for the design and delivery of a large-scale mural on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus. Spanning approximately 9.5m wide x 3m high, the mural will be painted onto the wall of the University of Reading’s historic Edith Morley building. The mural will celebrate 100 years since the University of Reading was granted a Royal Charter and became a university.
The chosen artist, creative or collective will have experience in co-creation, community engagement, and public art delivery. The chosen mural should ensure maximum visual impact, create a focal point on Whiteknights campus, and enable our communities to engage thoughtfully and curiously with the history of the university. The artwork will illustrate our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to our future. The mural is funded by the Centenary Project Grant Scheme and will be unveiled in 2026, at the annual University of Reading Community Festival (May 2026).
Artwork – Essential Requirements:
- Site specific artwork created directly onto the wall.
- Durable artwork with minimal maintenance requirements and use of anti-graffiti paint or coating suitable for external use.
- Developed and delivered collaboratively with University stakeholders, including the Project team.
Artist – Essential Requirements:
- Proven experience of design and conceptual realisation of outdoor public art commissions of a similar nature.
- Understanding of technical requirements in the creation, installation and maintenance of the artwork.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with different partners and communities.
- Ability and willingness to support and respond to marketing and communications requests.
- Confirmation that you can attend two sessions with local community groups, including the unveiling of the mural in May 2026 (date tbc).
- Insurance: Public Liability Insurance a minimum cover of £5m+, Employers Liability Insurance minimum cover of £5m, Professional Indemnity minimum cover of £2m.
How to Apply
Please send the requirements below to artcollection@reading.ac.uk
The Expression of Interest should be in the form of one PDF document, which includes:
- Artist Statement (this includes writing, drawing and any other type of material you want to include, maximum 500 words).
- Vision statement for area and site, suggesting initial ideas and materials to be used (maximum 500 words).
- Two-page CV (maximum).
- 6-8 good-quality images of your previous work.
- Name and contact details of two referees (references will only be requested for shortlisted artists)
Program Benefits & Awards
This commission’s total budget available is £15,000. This is inclusive of: – Artist fee and production costs, including materials, fabrication and installation costs, supplier fees, and VAT where applicable. – Artists’ attendance at two sessions to engage with the local community on the project. – Artists travel costs and related expenses for site visits, installation and community engagement. – Transport of completed work to site. – VAT.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Berkshire, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 17 August 2025
Website Link: https://www.reading.ac.uk/
