The current artwork on the side of Chester's Forum Building could be replaced with a mural raising awareness of men's mental health.

A planning application has been submitted to replace 'How to Work Better', a project created in 2023 as part of a major visual arts event, Chester Contemporary.

Dating back to 1991, artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss' 10-point list was taken from a sign the artists saw in a ceramic factory in Thailand, which was designed to improve worker morale and productivity.

When it was unveiled in Chester's Exchange Square, it was the first time the ground-breaking piece was shown at full scale in the UK, only ever having been previously shown in Zurich, Mexico City, New York (Guggenheim) and Okayama, Japan.

However, in planning documents submitted this week, a concept design of a new proposed artwork was revealed, entitled 'Breaking the Stigma'.

With the final design subject to change, the proposed text-based artwork by artist Mark Titchner aims to "encourage conversations and highlight available support services".

Dating back to 1991, artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss' 10-point list was taken from a sign the artists saw in a ceramic factory in Thailand (Image via: Nub News)

It follows a report published earlier this year which found suicide rates had risen across Cheshire West and Chester, and are higher than the national average. The findings also outlined how men constitute more than three-quarters of all suicides in the borough.

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The report revealed a "clear, upward trend" in suicide rates across the borough, driven largely by an increase in male suicide

In response, artist Mark Titchner has been working with local men to discuss their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about raising awareness of men s mental health and wellbeing.

The latest artwork proposal builds on conversations about care and connection that the artist had during workshops with local men in Northwich and Ellesmere Port.

The planning documents read: "The text encourages empathy and understanding, emphasising the importance of reaching out to those around us and the positive impact this can have.

"Chester focus groups found the artwork to be a powerful reflection of experiences and conversations, commenting 'Someone may read and say that's what I need'."

Subject to planning permission, the artwork will be installed by Autumn 2026, and accompanying information will highlight crisis support services.

You can find the full application here.