55-metre mural to be installed to enliven King Street in Cambridge

A 55-metre mural will be installed to transform King Street in Cambridge.

The major public art commission will be installed from 9-18 February 2026, as part of Cambridge Arts Festival.

Commissioned and funded by Cambridge BID and delivered in partnership with street art collective Graffwerk, the mural will be in place for an initial 12 months, although it could be extended subject to approval by all partners.

Sidney Sussex College has granted permission for the use of the wall for the mural, which is intended to provide a colourful focal point celebrating both the city’s history and its modern-day creativity.

Cambridge-based artists are now invited to express interest in the commission by 7 November.

Selected artists will collaborate in a design workshop later in November led by Graffwerk, known for curating the UK’s largest street art festival, Bring the Paint.

Artists do not need prior mural or street art experience – Graffwerk will handle the technical application – but successful applicants should bring bold ideas, painterly or illustrative styles, and a strong sense of what makes Cambridge unique.

The final mural should weave together local stories, heritage and contemporary culture.

King Street lies close to Cambridge’s historic heart, but traders have long expressed that the street does not always benefit from the same levels of footfall.

Cambridge BID hopes the mural will act as a beacon to encourage visitors and locals to explore further and discover independent businesses.

Artists will be paid in line with Artists’ Union England guidelines - £300 workshop day rate, £450 design finalisation fee.

They can apply by submitting a link to their website or online portfolio, a statement of about 300 words introducing their work, why the project appeals, and how they would approach the brief.

Applications and enquiries should be sent to info@cambridgebid.co.uk.