Time is running out for artists who want to make a bid to make their mark on a Carlisle city centre improvement scheme.

Creative movers and shakers have until Thursday, 15 July to submit their interest to be part of an exciting public realm scheme designed to attract more investment into the city.

Carlisle City Council has launched a commission for artists, designers and makers to develop and deliver bespoke artwork to be included into street furniture planned as part of the Castle Street improvement scheme, which started in early June this year. More than 10 submissions have been received so far.

The scheme, which was given the go-ahead by Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Carlisle in January, will help attract increased investment into the city as part of a package of projects for the area. As well as becoming much more pedestrian friendly, the southern half of Castle Street will still allow through-traffic.

Castle Street, between Paternoster Row and St Mary’s Gate, is being repaved using traditional materials. Footways are being widened and repaved with Lazonby Sandstone. Existing granite kerbs are being refurbished and the carriageway has been narrowed and will be repaved with whinstone blocks. A range of high quality street furniture is to be fitted and trees adjacent to the Cathedral will be illuminated. It is expected that these enhancements will provide an attractive environment for users of the area, particularly pedestrians. 

The incorporation of artwork into these items reflects the City Council’s commitment to promoting a high quality environment, and also reflects the long-standing ‘Percent For Art’ policy in the Local Plan. This policy encourages developers, in this case the City Council, to direct a small percentage of project value towards publically accessible artwork.

The council is looking for visionary artists who will get local people involved in developing the artwork for nine stone benches. The street furniture will be put in place this autumn, as the last stage of the public realm improvement works in the Historic Quarter. The whole scheme is planned to be completed this October.

Carlisle City Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Local Environment, said:

“We know that local businesses benefit from investment in the public realm – which can boost tourism and attract investment. Work to improve Castle Street is already underway and is the first of a series of exciting new developments within the city.

“The artwork art will form an important part of the overall scheme and underlines our commitment to delivering high quality schemes that will be enjoyed by and benefit, local people. We know there’s tremendous creative talent here in Carlisle, and I hope local artists take the opportunity to tender for this commission.”

Carlisle City Council in partnership with Cumbria County Council is funding the £840,000 Castle Street scheme and is project managing the improvement works.

The commission is on offer nationally, as an open competition, with shortlisted artists invited for interview on 27 July. Tenders are invited by the closing date of Thursday, 15 July. For further information, telephone 01228 817077 or view information here.