What happens if artists and academics come together to do something with ideas, rather than simply discuss them? Lancaster Arts is inviting applications from two artists based in the North of England to take part in a new collaborative programme alongside Lancaster University academics, exploring shared questions through doing, making and testing ideas in practice. This is a process-led opportunity. We are not looking for fully developed project proposals or fixed outcomes, but for people who are open, curious and interested in working in exploratory and interdisciplinary ways. The programme is open to artists from all disciplines and backgrounds. No prior experience of collaborating with universities or academics is required. Artists selected for the programme will receive: Applicants should be: Application deadline: 21 May 2026 at 11.59pm Artists must be based in the North of England Participate in a series of online and in-person sessions between June and September 2026 Applications should be submitted via the online application form on the Lancaster Arts website. Full programme information, eligibility details and application guidance can be found here:Job Summary
Job Description
Working between June and September 2026, participants will take part in a series of online and in-person sessions, developing a shared inquiry through conversation, experimentation and collaborative exploration. The programme will culminate in a public moment as part of the Festival of Dissent on 5 September 2026.
£1500 artist fee
Travel expenses
Accommodation for in-person sessions where required
Based in the North of England
Interested in collaborative and practice-led approaches
Open to experimentation and interdisciplinary exchange
More information and application details:
https://www.lancasterarts.org/ideas/what-happens-ifJob Requirements
Open to artists from all disciplines and backgrounds
Interest in collaborative, practice-led and interdisciplinary approaches
Openness to experimentation, dialogue and exploratory ways of working
No prior experience of academic collaboration requiredJob Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with Lancaster University academics and fellow participants
Contribute to the development of a shared inquiry through discussion, making and experimentation
Take part in a public moment as part of the Festival of Dissent on 5 September 2026Useful Links
How to Apply
https://www.lancasterarts.org/ideas/what-happens-if
Application deadline: 21 May 2026 at 11.59pm