Our Ordinary is Extraordinary: Murals, markers and stories that matter

Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA)(the ‘Contacting Authority’), part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Group, have awarded a contract for a consultant to work with TVCA on the development, planning and delivery of the 'Our Ordinary is Extraordinary: Murals, markers and stories that matter project, which seeks to uncover and celebrate hidden stories of ‘ordinary’ people who have made an extraordinary impact on their community. Through a series of public art commissions in each borough of Tees Valley, inspired by and developed through engagement with the local community, the works will be thematically and visually linked, and form a cohesive trail that connects the boroughs, celebrates local heritage, and enhances visitor appeal (“the Project”).

The Project aims to foster community pride, preserve local stories, and create engaging public spaces. This project is a forerunner to the launch and implementation of the Tees Valley Heritage Strategy and is intended to both inform and align with the emerging strategic vision.

The Project will be delivered in two phases, each of which are detailed below: Phase One - Development & Planning This phase is a consultancy-led development exercise resulting in a detailed delivery plan for Phase Two, that will: •Define the overall scope and vision of the project •Design a programme of meaningful community engagement and identify key groups and partners for delivery •Outline a commissioning framework for the public artworks that reflects both the project’s artistic ambitions and its community and heritage objectives. The Consultant(s) will be expected to work closely with local authority Culture and Planning teams, as well as cultural, heritage and community stakeholders, to ensure the artistic vision is rooted in place, LA priorities & plans, resonates with local identity, and supports high-quality, inclusive creative outcomes.

Phase Two: Delivery (Subject to Funding Approval) Phase Two will involve the delivery of the full project, including community engagement activities, artist commissions, production and installation of the public artworks and promotion of the pieces as a regional trail. The contract start date was 05/01/2026 however there has been a delay with signing due to resource. The contract was signed on 27/02/2026.