Calling all 16-22 year olds - Get involved in shaping public art in Bideford

Torridge District Council is working with public art organisation, Company Place, on a series of creative projects and they're looking for young people (age 16-22) to get involved. 

Supergroup, a London-based artist duo made up of ceramic artist Ian McIntyre and illustrator John Booth have been appointed to make new public artwork and wayfinding interventions for Bideford.  Supergroup have worked with names including Selfridges, Paul Smith and Hem and are the recipients of a national award from the Design Council.  The project is being funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

The team is particularly keen to hear from young people from the Bideford and Torridge area who understand what it's like to live in the town.  Young people will be paid £10 per hour to creatively contribute to the artists' research for the project. Participants will also benefit from a fully funded field trip to a town or city in Devon or the surrounding area, to explore the creative scene there.

Across four creative, hands-on workshops (each around 2-3 hours) in November 2025, participants will have the opportunity to review Supergroup's initial proposals, share their thoughts and influence how the artworks look and feel.  The feedback and ideas will be used to shape what wayfinding artworks will be installed in Bideford in Spring 2026.

Anyone interested in applying should visit (SHAPING PUBLIC ART IN BIDEFORD).  The closing date for applications is Thursday 13 November.  The workshops take place between 21-23 November 2025, and the field trip is scheduled to take place in early 2026.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement, Torridge District Council, said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone aged 16-22 years who is interested in art and care about their local community to work with award winning national artists, to create something really special for Bideford.  Participants will have the chance to learn and explore playful creative techniques to support collaboration and experimentation as well as learn creative methods to generate and share new ideas and strengthen communication skills.  The great thing is that interest and enthusiasm are more important than art experience - so I'd really encourage anyone to apply."

Nov 25