Freelance Artist – Industrial Heritage Collection

Are you an artist with experience in audio-visual installations and immersive soundscapes? This could be a unique opportunity to help bring the stories of Britain’s mining heritage to life.

We are looking for a freelance artist to create an ambitious, immersive artwork for the Power House – a large industrial-style building that houses part of the Museum’s nationally significant Industrial Heritage Collection.

Indicative Timeline and Key Milestones
Start date: August 2026
Completion Date: end January 2027

Budget
A budget of £15,000 is available to deliver this work, to include materials, installation,
personal expenses and travel. The appointee will be responsible for paying their own tax
and national insurance contributions.

There is an additional budget of £1,500 which is available for the purchase of equipment
for the artwork.

This is a grant funded project.

The successful artist will work alongside a freelance curator, former miners, volunteers and the Museum’s Collections Team to create an engaging audio-visual experience inspired by:

– Historic mining machinery
– Personal stories and memories from former miners
– The rich industrial heritage of coal mining communities

The aim is to transform the Power House from an open-access store into a compelling gallery space filled with sound, visuals and storytelling that resonates with both existing visitors and future generations.

To apply, send the following to ali@bodleyheritage.co.uk:

• CV
• Brief outline of potential ideas for this project
• A budget breakdown, detailing how many days’ work at what day rate this would
equate to.
• Examples of previous work including links to films

Please save documents using your name and this job role as the title.

Interviews will take place either remotely or at National Coal Mining Museum,
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview.