Competition launched to find new artwork for Blackfriars Bridge

Last September Network Rail installed several large-scale reproductions of Thames watercolours on the long hoarding that prevents pedestrians using the eastern pavement of Blackfriars Bridge during the construction of the new railway station.

Now the search is on to find a new work to adorn the hoarding which is seen by thousands of people each day.

London Lives is a free-to-enter art competition run by Bankside Gallery, Cass Art and Network Rail with support from The Guardian.

The competition aims to explore the concept of London and what it is, celebrating its energy, diversity and originality.

Artists entering the competition will have their work judged by a panel of five associated with the capital's art industry and be in the running to win either the gold medal (first place), silver medal (runner up) or one of 20 highly commended places.

The gold medal winner will have their artwork reproduced at a large scale and emblazoned on the hoardings on the bridge for a year.

Their work will also figure in a two week selling exhibition at Bankside Gallery that will showcase the competition's top 100 short-listed entries, and they will receive a commemorative certificate plus £1,500 worth of gift vouchers from Cass Art.

"We are delighted to be holding the exhibition London Lives here at Bankside Gallery," says Angela Parker.

"Over the past decade we have seen the surrounding area transform into a vibrant and diverse cultural quarter. We look forward to seeing how the winning artists capture this spirit of energy and change that typifies London".

To enter London Lives artists should visit www.guardian.co.uk/london-lives and submit a good quality photographic image of their original artwork that is not more than 10MB in size and at least 300dpi.

The original artwork may be in any 2D paint or print media including oil, tempura, acrylic, watercolour, inks or original print. Works should be no larger than 90cm wide when framed, and should be in landscape format.

"This is a great opportunity for us to get involved in the community, particularly when we are working in the local area on the landmark redevelopment of Blackfriars station," says Network Rail's Jerry Swift.

"The winning work of art when reproduced and emblazoned centrally on the temporary hoarding line that runs across Blackfriars Bridge is an exciting use of what would otherwise be dead space.

"We are confident the winning image will help brighten up the area and give the featured artist the chance to display their work in a high-profile location to a large and diverse audience."

• The London Lives competition closes at midnight on Sunday 25 July.