Stories from the Stores - Artist Commission, Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery

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).

£2000 production fee for new work