Artists & Muralists Wanted for Exciting Canal Bookshop Project.
Cotswold Canals Connected is inviting artists and muralists to help transform the Cotswold Canals Trust Charity Book & Music Shop in Brimscombe with bold, imaginative murals inspired by the canals, local heritage and wildlife.
Our volunteer-run bookshop helps raise vital funds for the restoration of the historic Cotswold Canals. While volunteers continue working hard inside the shop sorting donated books, records, pictures and board games, the outside of the building is now set to receive a colourful new look as part of a wider mural project across the canal corridor.
This exciting commission forms part of Cotswold Canals Connected, a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported initiative reconnecting people with the canal’s rich built, natural and social heritage. As part of the Community Engagement programme, a series of murals will brighten underpasses and neglected walls along the canals – with the Brimscombe Bookshop becoming the first stage of the project.
The murals will be painted directly onto both visible sides of the pebbledashed bookshop building, with all artwork protected afterwards using an anti-graffiti coating supplied by the project team.
We are looking for visually striking designs that reflect the character of the canals and have strong community relevance, while also covering the existing graffiti and tagging on the building. Artists should be comfortable working in public spaces and engaging with visitors during the painting process.
Each artist commission includes:
• Artist Fee: £300 per 8-hour day (3 days total)
• Design Fee: £300
• Materials Budget: Up to £300
• Anti-graffiti coating and wall preparation provided
Total Commission Value: £1,500
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: Sunday 7th June 2026 – 12pm
• Selection & Notification: Monday 29th June 2026
• Painting Period: 10th, 11th & 12th July 2026 (weather dependent)
How to Apply
Please send a short proposal (maximum 1,500 words or a 5-minute video) including:
• Information about you and your artistic practice
• Your initial mural concept or inspiration
• Preferred materials and any access requirements
• Examples of previous mural or public artwork
For questions or to submit an application, please email:
sophie.wakefield@stroud.gov.uk
The final artist selection will be decided through a public vote involving social media audiences, Cotswold Canals Trust members and volunteers.
For full details and to apply, visit:
www.creategloucestershire.co.uk/opportunities/2026/5/8/artistsmuralists-wanted-for-a-project-in-stroud
