GB-Thamesmead: Development and delivery of Canal Street Art Programme and a Street Art Strategy in Spring 2020

We are looking for an experienced cultural organisation to develop and deliver a high quality programme of street art commissions on a series of 9 underpasses that connect Thamesmead's winding network of picturesque canals. These art commissions will celebrate Thamesmead's nature, wildlife and communities, and provide some much needed signage and wayfinding for pedestrians and cyclists.

These street art commissions will build on a previous commission by Mark McClure in 2018 (pictured) and should respond to the wider history of street art in Thamesmead by local artists such as Trust Icon. In order to continue embedding a meaningful programme of street art in the future, we are also asking for the appointed organisation to develop an outline street art strategy for Thamesmead that sets out the opportunities and approaches for commissioning further works.

The appointed organisation will create a series of art commissions to be painted directly on to the underpass walls and bridges along our 7km of canals, encouraging the exploration of Thamesmead's natural spaces and acting as a wayfinding tool for people wishing to explore our greenspaces.

This street art project is part of Thamesmead's ongoing cultural programme, which aims to bring exceptional culture to everyday experiences and raise the profile of Thamesmead. The artworks will also contribute to our growing landscape activation programme which aims to reconnect Thamesmead residents with the rich nature on their doorstep.

The research and development phase of this project should take place in March/April 2020, and the painting and installation of the artworks should follow in May/June 2020.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.