We Belong Here CIC, in partnership with Active Leeds and Leeds City Council through the Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilot, are offering four bursaries for emerging or early-career artists based in West Yorkshire, with a focus on supporting Global Majority artists who want to gain hands-on experience in public art, muralling, and community-engaged practice.

This programme sits within a wider initiative that aims to connect people more deeply with their local area. The new mural trail across East Leeds will help bring colour, creativity, and a sense of belonging to everyday spaces, encouraging residents to explore, notice, and feel proud of the places around them.

This is a structured training residency built around a live brief. Artists will design and paint a small-scale commissioned mural and support the delivery of larger works that form part of this new trail.

The programme offers a supported route into public art, combining practical experience, mentorship, and opportunities to build a confident, community-minded mural practice and portfolio.

Why Apply?

Breaking into mural work can feel impossible- most commissions expect experience you’ve never been given the chance to get.

This residency is designed to change that. It’s a space to learn, experiment, and play, with guidance at every stage.

You’ll build real skills, work on real projects, and take part in a wider public art programme- all with the safety net of mentorship and a bursary that values your time and labour.

Programme Details

• Duration: January – July 2026. (1 month break/independant learning in April 2026)
• Bursary: £1100
• Equipment Allowance: £100 (to help artists begin building their mural kit)
  All mural materials (paints) and project management are provided through the wider project

What You’ll Gain

You’ll receive mentorship from experienced muralists, along with practical training in mural design, painting techniques, and public art processes.

As part of the live brief, you’ll complete a small-scale mural commission (such as an electric box) and spend two days in total supporting the wider mural trail-  one day on a large wall mural and one day on a floor mural.

You’ll also gain experience in community-engaged practice through workshop design, facilitation, and assisting with engagement sessions.

Alongside this, the programme offers training in project logistics, from budgeting and selecting materials to equipment use, permissions, and health & safety, as well as wider professional development, networking opportunities, and support to build a strong mural portfolio.

Commitments

Artists will need to attend scheduled training sessions and workshops between January and July, and take part in at least one community consultation session linked to their small-scale commission. 

You’ll be expected to complete your small mural, support the wider mural works, and engage actively in mentorship, development activities, and reflective learning throughout the programme.

We also ask that you document your work so you can build a strong, well-supported portfolio by the end.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for emerging or early-career artists, especially Global Majority artists who are curious about public art, murals, and working collaboratively with communities.

You don’t need any previous mural experience- this is a training programme designed to help you learn. What matters most is that you’re motivated, reliable, open to trying new things, and excited about developing your practice in a supported environment.

Timeline:

• 1st Decemeber - Call Out Released
• 10th December - Deadline (Noon)
• 12th December - Shortlisted Artists are notified
• 16th December - Interview (In Person/Online)
• 19th December - Shortlisted applicants will be notified
• W/c 12th January 2026: Artist Inductions 

To apply

Please fill in the curator space form, which includes 

• A short artist statement (150 words max) about yourself and your practice so far. We are looking to understand what motivates and interests you in your work.
• An Expression of Interest (250 words max) explaining why you’d like to take part, how this opportunity would support your development, and why this is the right moment for you.
• Please also include 5-7  images of your previous work.
• A link to your website or social media so we can see more of your practice.

PLEASE SEE - If writing isn’t your preferred format, you’re welcome to submit a video or audio application instead-  please contact us via curator space to arrange this.