Illustrate the cover image for the Bristol 650 book

Throughout 2023, Bristol Ideas is running Bristol 650, a project which marks the 650th anniversary of Bristol becoming an independent city and county. 

As part of this project, Bristol Ideas is bringing together a collection of newly commissioned essays about the future of Bristol. 

The book will be designed, printed and published by Bristol Books and 1,000 copies will be given away free at the Festival of the Future City in October 2023.

Bristol Ideas wishes to commission a locally based artist to create an illustration for the cover of the book. 

A full timeline for the project is provided below, but the project will be working on a quick turnaround, with the appointed artist providing an initial design in early June and supplying the final illustration in July 2023.

Illustration brief

We are keen for the cover illustration to reflect the content of the essays and their future-facing focus. All essays focus on the future of Bristol, but the essays are wide-ranging in terms of subject matter. Topics covered include:

  • A city for all ages

  • A city learning from the past to build a good future

  • A city which takes the past seriously and does something about this

  • Beacons across the city

  • Culture for all

  • Fairness

  • Good quality public housing

  • Just transition

  • Local green action making big change happen

  • People having time for more than work

  • Social change and justice

  • Social mobility

  • The future of work

  • The soul of the city

  • Vibrant high streets

  • Vibrant nightlife

Bristol Ideas can provide draft versions of the commissioned essays to help the appointed artist develop their illustration.

Illustration format

The cover illustration for the book will need to be 170mm x 240mm (portrait) +6mm bleed around all edges. Bristol Ideas will provide a template for the cover to the appointed artist, including the title text so that the illustration can take this into consideration.

The artwork will need to be supplied in the following formats: High resolution JPG, TIFF or Vector format such as Adobe Illustrator file and supplied at a minimum 600dpi.

Timeline

  • Application deadline – 23 May

  • Artist appointed – 30 May

  • Artist provides initial sketch for feedback from Bristol Ideas and Bristol Books – Early June 2023

  • Final illustration completed and supplied to Bristol Ideas and Bristol Books – July 2023

  • Book distributed at Festival of the Future City – 17-19 October 2023

Fee and copyright

There is a fixed, non-negotiable fee of £500, which will be paid in full on receipt of the final artwork.

The artist will retain copyright of their work and Bristol Ideas may not use it for commercial purposes. 

Bristol Ideas may use the work as required within Bristol 650 and in wider Bristol Ideas activity, including for marketing purposes and linked programmes. As the National Lottery Heritage Fund is providing financial support to the Bristol 650 programme they may also wish to use images in marketing and reporting material. 

Application procedure

To apply, please send us:

  • A short explanation of why this commission is of interest and the particular contribution you can make

  • Two examples of previous work, demonstrating your style

Applications must be received by noon on Tuesday 23 May. Please send material to Amy O’Beirne info@bristolideas.co.uk (email direct or use WeTransfer).

The chosen artist will be notified on 30 May.