Stories from the Stores - Artist Commission

Arts Council; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional arts organization is seeking a creative individual for the 'Stories from the Stores - Artist Commission' to research and present new narratives through artistic interpretations. The successful applicant will work closely with the Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery to ensure accessibility in storytelling, with a total fee of £2950 for a maximum of 10 days. This is part of an ongoing initiative aiming to present untold stories and engage a diverse audience.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop creative ways to tell stories.
• Research skills to explore collection and displays.
• Commitment to accessibility in artistic interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop a new interpretative commission.
• Work closely with the Exhibitions Team at Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery.
• Facilitate access to galleries, objects, and archives.

Job description

Stories from the Stores - Artist Commission

Job Summary

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?

Job Description

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 https://www.lincolnmuseum.com/exhibitions-and-events/view/usher-gallery-rehang-2025-stories-from-the-stores - 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 (with a day being classed as 7.5 hours which can be worked flexibly to accommodate gallery opening hours, access to site and artists' commitments).

• Job Title: Stories from the Stores - Artist Commission

For any further questions on this brief and application process, please email us on [emailprotected]

We are Lincolnshire’s archaeology museum and the Usher Gallery. We are operated by Lincolnshire County Council in partnership with the City of Lincoln Council, Arts Council England, The British Museum and the Art Fund. We are supported by the Friends of Lincoln Museums and Art Gallery, the Usher Trust and the Heslam Trust.