Public Art Commissioning Brief: University of Reading Centenary Mural Calls for Expression of Interest

About the Open Call

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. The mural will celebrate 100 years since the University of Reading was granted a Royal Charter. The chosen artist will have experience in co-creation, community engagement, and public art delivery. The artwork must be site-specific, durable, and developed collaboratively with University stakeholders. Key artist requirements include proven experience in outdoor public art commissions, understanding of technical requirements, strong communication skills, and willingness to engage with marketing and community groups. Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance, and Professional Indemnity are required. The project timeline includes shortlisting by September 1, proposal development, final award decision by November 3, 2025, and artwork installation by February/March 2026, with an unveiling in May 2026 at the University's Community Festival. The site is approximately 9.5m wide x 3m high on the historic Edith Morley building, opened in 1957 by Queen Elizabeth II and renamed in 2017 to honour Edith Morley, one of the first women professors in a British university. The mural position is central to the main quad.

What is Offered

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 local community with the project. Artists travel costs and related expenses for site visits, installation and community engagement. Transport of completed work to site.

Requirements

Essential requirements for artwork and artist include: 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 levels minimum cover of £5m+, Employers Liability Insurance minimum cover of £5m, Professional Indemnity minimum cover of £2m.

How to Apply

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 12 noon on Sunday 17 August 2025. Please send the below requirements to artcollection@reading.ac.uk The Expression of Interest should be in the form of one PDF document, that includes: Artist Statement (maximum 500 words). Vision statement for area and site, suggesting initial ideas and materials to be used (maximum 500 words). Two-page page CV (maximum). 6-8 good quality images of your previous work. Name and contact details of two referees.