Staffy Trail Public Art Commission
Create large-scale Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculptures for a countywide public art trail. £1,250 paid commission with school collaboration.
The Staffy Trail is a new public art project launching in spring 2026 across Staffordshire to celebrate Staffordshire Day's tenth anniversary. Artists are invited to create and paint ten large-scale Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculptures, each approximately 5 feet tall, that will be displayed across Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, and Lichfield from May 1st onwards for at least ten weeks.
Successful applicants will be commissioned to collaborate with a Staffordshire high school or college, running a full-day workshop with students to develop unique sculpture designs. The creative process begins with students' ideas as the starting point, fostering meaningful educational partnerships. Artists can complete the painting at their own studio, a Making Trails painting hub, or at the partnered school—with school locations being the preferred option.
This is a paid commission opportunity offering £1,250 per completed sculpture, which covers the workshop day, design time, painting, varnishing, and materials. Commissioned artists will receive significant publicity through Staffordshire County Council channels, press coverage, and the official trail map and mobile app.
The project is delivered by Making Trails, an experienced organization previously involved in similar large-scale public art initiatives. Priority consideration will be given to artists living or working in Staffordshire, making this an excellent opportunity for the local creative community.