As part of 'Collecting Our Future', we seek to commission a socially engaged artist* to creatively explore what objects represent life in Chelmsford today. Working in collaboration with Spark! Young Cultural Changemakers, the Museum of Chelmsford, Culture Chelmsford, and the Cultural Connectors, the artist will explore the question: "If the Museum of Chelmsford could collect just ONE object to show what your life in Chelmsford is like today, what would it be and why?" The artist will creatively ask the question through leading a series of community workshops. After this, the project partners will gather themes from the workshops and responses to an existing city-wide survey. The artist will then make co created artwork with local communities in response to the themes of the survey. The project will culminate in a co produced exhibition, celebrating and representing the stories collected, in the museum's Our Chelmsford Gallery. This exhibition will be brought to life further through a small public programme, including talks, workshops and events. Collecting Our Future aims to: We particularly want to engage young people and groups who have historically been excluded from cultural decision making. Including: Fees & budget *We also welcome joint applications We welcome applications from artists working through any creative medium, as well as joint applications (such as an artist collaborating with a community engagement specialist), who: Has artistic specialism(s) suited to telling this story within the exhibition space Work collaboratively with Spark! Young Cultural Changemakers and project partners throughout, via our regular workshops. Spark! meet on Mondays 5-7pm. The project contains the following 6 phases, please see the linked brief for the full list of deliverables within each phase. Phase 1: Creative engagement workshops (May-July 2026) This commission is delivered through a collaboration between Spark!, the Museum of Chelmsford, and Culture Chelmsford. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts. We encourage applicants to get in touch with any questions and we offer an initial chat before you apply. 1st stage application: 2nd stage application: If you are invited to this stage of application you will be given more details, and a £50 stipend as a thank you for your time. Interviews: Thurs 7 May in ChelmsfordJob Summary
Job Description
- Reach communities who are underrepresented in the museum's current collections
- Engage people who are often marginalised or face barriers to cultural participation
- Ensure the project is culturally sensitive, responsive and inclusive
- Involve people who live, work, study, volunteer, create or visit the district
Global Majority communities
Women and girls
LGBTQIA+ individuals
People with visible and hidden disabilities
People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
Artist fee: £10,000 (inc. VAT & all travel/subsistence costs)
Project budget: Up to £4,300 (inc. of VAT) for community workshops, artwork costs, exhibition costs, & public programme delivery.Job Requirements
Experience creating co produced artwork & exhibitions
Enjoys working through an organic, collaborative & community led process
Has strong co creation experience with diverse & underserved intergenerational communities, with clear learning from these experiences
Shows a strong commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion
Has expertise using culturally sensitive & inclusive methods that encourage participation & authentic sharing
Strong facilitation and co design skills to ensure that local & marginalised voices are part of genuine decision making
Has proven project & budget management skills
Has experience working with young people &/or Adults at Risk (with willingness to undertake a DBS check)Job Responsibilities
Build relationships with local communities via the Community Connectors.
Contribute to project management of the timeline and budget.
Creatively document the consultation and co-creative process and present this as part of the exhibition.
Phase 2: Analysis (July-August 2026)
Phase 3: Co Creation (August-November 2026)
Phase 4: Exhibition production & installation (Nov 2026-Jan 2027)
Phase 5: Public Programme (Jan-March 2027)
Phase 6: Evaluation (April 2027)Useful Links
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Submit an expression of interest by Sunday 26 April including:
A short covering letter (max 2 side of A4) explaining:
● What attracts you to the role
● How you meet the artist specification
● A brief outline of how you might approach the work
Examples of relevant work (portfolio, website or image examples)
You will be informed (by Wed 29 April) whether you have been shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview led by Spark! members, where you will be asked:
● To demonstrate a short creative co-creation workshop with the panel.
● To answer some questions (which will be sent in advance).