Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire are members of the British Library Living Knowledge Network (LKN). LKN is a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries. Together we share ideas and spark connections between libraries, their collections and their people. We are establishing a city/county partnership model across neighbouring library services. The commission will reach communities in the following Libraries: This opportunity is funded by Arts Council England. Proposed timeline: Development - June 2026 - August 2026 Fee: Immersive drama murder mystery development fee £1000 The theatre/drama practitioner(s) will: Work collaboratively with Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery Exhibition, touring libraries from 30/10/2026 - 29/06/2027 Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire will: Work collaboratively with and support the theatre/drama practitioner(s) to deliver the project Our aims are to: Submissions should be made by 9am on Monday 1 June 2026 to [email protected] We encourage individual or joint applications. What we need from you: 1. Your creative response! • What could you do? 2. We want to work with new and/or established theatre/drama practitioner(s) but would like to see some examples of your work, that will help us know more about your practice, and a CV which includes your experience. We will accept these in any format. This might be: • Showreels We will accept any form of application: • Written (Max one side of A4) We are always looking for new ideas and approaches.Job Summary
Job Description
Created by the British Library to explore new ways for libraries across the country to work as one, the network currently includes over 20 public libraries, the British Library itself, the National Library of Scotland and the National Library of Wales.
The Living Knowledge Network is the only network of its kind in the UK and is centred on exchanging knowledge and developing memorable experiences for public library users, from simultaneous UK-wide exhibitions to leadership and development.
living-knowledge-network.co.uk
Nottingham Central, Strelley Road, Hyson Green, St Ann's
Mansfield Central, Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton in Ashfield, Hucknall.
Performances - 30/10/2026 - 29/06/2027 There will be 1 performance at 8 library venues across the exhibition tour period. Performance dates are to be negotiated and will not be on consecutive days
8 performances £450 per performance,
Total fee £4600
NB. No additional budget for travel and accommodation. Job Requirements
Take inspiration from Agatha Christie to create an immersive drama murder mystery suitable for young people and families to be delivered in library settings
Deliver the immersive drama murder mystery performance in the 8 libraries named above
Performances will be bookable (2 for YP and 6 for families) for 25 people per performance
Travel around Nottinghamshire between venues with props and equipment as needed
Delve into the remarkable life and legacy of the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie, at an exhibition opening at the British Library and Living Knowledge Network partner libraries in October 2026.
https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/agathachristieJob Responsibilities
Engage with family audiences and young people through both the City Cultural Education Partnership (CEP), Challenge and the Ashfield and Mansfield CEP Captivate
Programme performances in libraries
Manage communication and bookings for the performances
Promote the tour through Nottingham City Libraries' and Inspire's Marketing and Communications team/channels
Record the project through photography, film and an evaluation process
Support and enhance engagement with the national tour of the British Library Living Knowledge Network exhibition: Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
Commission an immersive drama piece inspired by Agatha Christie and the notion of "Body in the Library"
Actively engage with all ages from 7+Useful Links
How to Apply
Tell us how you will use your talents to meet the aims. Below are some prompts to help you think about what you might tell/show us:
• How will you deliver it?
• What will you need?
• How will it engage our audience?
• Weblinks
• Photos
• Social media account links
• Podcasts
• Something else…?
• Audio (Max 2 mins)
• Drawn (Max A2)
• Filmed (Max 2 mins)
• Something else…?