Getting Involved
Stories from the Stores – Artist Commission
Are you a storyteller or creative, collective or group interested in opening up new narratives in public museums and introducing new ways of understanding our histories?
We are looking for an artist or creative to undertake research into our collection and displays and find a creative and engaging way to bring out new stories and perspectives. Working closely with the Exhibitions Team at Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery, the selected artist will research and develop a new interpretative commission to be shown in the Usher Gallery as a key part of the ongoing Usher Gallery rehang work (2023-2028). Through this Arts Council England NPO-funded programme, we are aiming to bring previously untold stories to the forefront and highlight lesser-known artists and artworks in our collection.
More information on the Usher Gallery rehang can be found here on our website.
We want the commission to focus on storytelling, accessibility and interpretation. This could be a written work, film or sound work.
We are also committed to facilitating accessibility for the broadest possible audience, thinking about ways of ensuring interpretation is open to all, so we want to see this reflected in your commission application.
The successful applicant will be supported in their research processes by the Exhibitions Team, facilitating access to the galleries, objects and archives that are available.
Key dates:
Deadline: Monday 19th January 2026, 9am
Shortlisting deadline: 30th January 2026
Shortlisted candidates conversations: 12th and 13th February 2026
Final artist selected: Monday 16th February, 5pm
Residency and production period: w/c 23rd February - 24th April 2026
Money:
£2950 Artist fee for a maximum of 10 days
£2000 production fee for new work
For details on how to apply, see the downloadable PDF to the side of this page.
For any further questions on this brief and application process, please email us on lincolnmuseum@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Usher Young Creatives
The Usher Young Creatives (UYC) meet fortnightly* at the Usher Gallery on Tuesdays from 5-7pm. By joining the UYC you will become a part of a creative network in Lincoln and beyond!
• Meet and learn from artists, museum and gallery professionals.
• Work and collaborate with other young creatives and gallery staff
• Gain insight and experience into the work of a gallery.
• Exhibit your work and produce creative projects.
• Visit galleries and studio spaces.
If you are interested in joining the UYC drop an email to ushergallery@lincolnshire.gov.uk or pop along to the Usher Gallery before a session for an informal chat with staff members at 4.45pm.
The Usher Young Creatives is free and open to all young people aged 16-25 years old.
*To see the dates for meetings please download the pdf in the download section of this page.