Creswell Railway Art Project

A long shot of the underpass tunnel at Creswell Railway Station. The walls are white with some graffiti and there are strip lights on the right hand side at the top of the wall. It is a tarmac footpath that runs through.

The underpass at Creswell Railway Station, ready for a whole lot of love and imagination

Artist Call Out

In partnership with the Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership, Bolsover District Council, Network Rail, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and Creswell Junior School, First Art invites expressions of interest from artists to create a new painted mural on the exterior wall at Creswell Railway Station, and a nearby underpass in Creswell, Derbyshire.

This commission will create a welcoming first impression for passengers and visitors, celebrate Creswell’s identity, and improve the visual environment around the station.

Applications are now closed.

 

About the project

Creswell Railway Station lies on the Robin Hood Line between Worksop and Nottingham. It serves the village of Creswell, located on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border, and visitors to Creswell Crags, a site of national archaeological significance and a key local attraction. The station’s exterior wall provides an opportunity to create a distinctive focal point that welcomes people to the area and reflects local stories.

This project will be co-created with Year 5 pupils from Creswell Junior School through a series of workshops that explore Creswell’s past, present, and future. The artist will work with pupils to generate ideas and themes for the final mural design, ensuring the artwork captures the imagination and ideas of the local community.

A brick wall spans most of the image with a metal fence and hedge above. The wall is staggered at the top and curves round the corner. There is a small kerb at the bottom of the wall and then a tarmac road. This wall is situated at Creswell Railway Station.

Could you help realise design ideas with local school children to make this a warmer welcome to Creswell Railway Station?

What we want to achieve

Working with year 5 students at Creswell Junior School to develop the design, and drawing on the heritage of the local area, the project hopes to

  • Visually improve and brighten the station environment at Creswell Railway Station and the underpass.
  • Enhance local pride and sense of place through high-quality public art that references Creswell.
  • Create a safer, more welcoming feel for users of the station and passers-by.
  • Engage Creswell Junior School pupils in a meaningful co-creation process to ensure the artwork reflects the voices and imaginations of local young people

 

What’s the commission budget?

£6,000 (inclusive) – please see brief for full details

 

Timeline

(Please note some timings are subject to change)

  • Brief published: 4 December 2025
  • Deadline for applications: 12 noon, 6 January 2026
  • Shortlisting notification and interviews(online): 8 -13 January 2026
  • School workshops: Friday 30 January – Friday 13 March 2026
  • Design development & approvals: Friday 27 March 2026
  • On-site preparation & painting: w/c 13 April 2026
  • Completion / launch: Friday 24 April 2026, 1pm-2.30pm (tbc)

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted to info@firstart.org.uk, with the subject line ‘Creswell Station Mural – Application – [Your Name]’ by 12 noon, Tuesday 6 January 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Artists must submit a Letter of interest (max 2 pages) outlining your approach, relevant experience, and initial response to the site, or a video of no longer than 5 minutes, covering the aspects required in the letter of interest.

This should be submitted together with:

  • CV (and CVs of any collaborators).
  • Portfolio: 5–10 labelled images of relevant projects with brief captions: title, location, year, medium, budget.
  • Outline delivery plan /workshops engagement plan: short draft programme and method summary (surface prep, materials, coatings).
  • Budget breakdown: headline costs within the total commission budget.
  • Evidence of insurance (or confirmation you will obtain the required cover, if appointed).

 Please keep emails and attachments under 10MB or provide a single link to a cloud folder.

The Brief

 

Approximate Site Measurements

Underpass: 23.95 m length x 2.3m high

 

 

Wall

The wall starts at 0.26cm and increases in height to 3.10. The overall length of the wall is approximately 27.5m.

First Section: 13.3m length, starting at 0.26m high, increasing to 1.22m high

Second Section: 5m length, starting at 1.75m high increasing to 2.10m high

Third Section: 9.2m length, 2.5m high, increasing to 3.1m high

 

Additional Images

Accessibility

We are committed to making this opportunity accessible. If you require adjustments or support at any stage, please contact access@firstart.org.uk.

Can I talk to someone about the project?

For questions or to discuss the project please contact Karl Greenwood, Director, First Art at karl@firstart.org.uk

You might be interested in

 

Mansfield Railway Art Project

A similar project on the same Robin Hood Line happened at Mansfield Railway Station in 2023. This was a big hit with all involved including station users, especially regular commuters. You can find out more about the Mansfield Railway Art Project here.

 

Bold and bright: the artwork on the walls of Mansfield station underpass features all manner of characters and quirky sayings including a giant duck with the words 'Ay Up' coming from its mouth. There are also references to things like local flora and fauna.

Bold and bright: the new artwork on the walls of Mansfield station underpass features all manner of characters and quirky sayings. Image © Lamar Francois