We are offering independent town centre businesses across our four market towns the opportunity to receive free, temporary window artwork, created and installed by a local professional artist commissioned by the Council.
This initiative aims to enhance the appearance of our high streets, support independent retailers and encourage footfall and dwell time particularly alongside the upcoming Duck Sculpture Trail, which will be visiting all four towns.
What’s on offer
- a bespoke, hand-designed window artwork
- created by a local artist procured by the Council
- free of charge to eligible independent businesses
- temporary artwork intended to be displayed for at least 1 month
Designs can include:
- partial window coverage
- framed or edge designs
- selective coverage to keep key areas of the window clear
The design can reflect:
- the nature of your business, if desired
- a seasonal theme that is not fixed to one particular date, helping the artwork remain relevant for longer
- Window size and artwork coverage
- Each participating business receives the same allocation of funding, regardless of window size.
As a result:
- smaller windows offer greater potential for fuller or more detailed artwork
- larger windows may require more selective or framed designs, with reduced overall coverage if the artwork is spread across the whole window
The final approach will be agreed directly with the commissioned artist, taking into account:
- window size and layout
- visibility and promotional needs
- any requirements to keep parts of the window clear
- Duck Sculpture Trail participation – hiding a duck in the design
A duck sculpture trail will be installed across all four market towns for 10 weeks, encouraging visitors to explore town centres and discover independent businesses. Some shops will also display a small duck in their window as part of the trail.
Is this suitable for my business?
The scheme is intended for independent, town centre businesses and works best for shops that have:
- clear or mostly clear window space
- flexibility around partial window coverage
It may not be suitable for:
- shopfronts with extensive permanent vinyls already in place
- businesses that need their entire window kept clear
All enquiries will be reviewed to ensure suitability before progressing.
What we ask from participating businesses:
- be an independent business located in the town centre
- allow access for installation and later removal
- be open to a collaborative discussion with the artist
- agree to a seasonal, non date-specific theme
- display the artwork for the agreed period of 1 month
How to express interest
If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Regeneration Team in the first instance: regeneration@ambervalley.gov.uk
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to suitability. Applications close Tuesday 3 February 2026, or when all are allocated whichever comes first.
Need further help or information?
Contact the team directly on 01773 841496 or email regeneration@ambervalley.gov.uk
