Applications open for paid photography residency in North Lincolnshire

Applications are now open for a paid artist residency and photographic commission in North Lincolnshire. Over the Bridge, in partnership with Fountain Arts, is seeking an emerging (or re-emerging) photographer to develop a new body of work responding to the stories, communities and cultural heritage of North Lincolnshire.

The supported residency invites applicants to research, experiment and create a new project that responds to the question: how do we tell the story of a place?

The successful applicant will receive a paid residency and commission to develop a new body of photographic work rooted in North Lincolnshire, exploring local histories, everyday life, overlooked spaces, changing landscapes, and the voices of people who live and work in the area. Working closely with Over the Bridge, they will identify a community, heritage site or landscape that connects with their practice, beginning with a period of research before creating new work alongside local communities, archives, heritage organisations and partners.

Throughout the residency, the successful photographer will receive:

• A paid artist commission of £2,000
• One-to-one mentoring from Over the Bridge
• Curatorial guidance and professional development
• Production support throughout the project
• Introductions to local communities, heritage organisations and partners through Fountain Arts
• Support to develop community engagement activity where appropriate

The residency will culminate in a public exhibition of the newly commissioned work at Fountain Arts in Scunthorpe in January 2027, with opportunities to engage local audiences through artist talks, workshops and other public events.

The opportunity is open to emerging or re-emerging photographers who are based in North Lincolnshire, have a connection to the area, or have a strong interest in working there; who are early in their career, recent graduates, or returning to photography after time away; and who have not yet had a solo exhibition or comparable supported residency within the last three years. Over the Bridge welcomes applications from photographers of all backgrounds and particularly encourages those currently underrepresented within the arts.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a short statement introducing themselves and their photographic practice; an outline of why the opportunity interests them and how they might approach the residency, including a short project proposal; a portfolio of photographic work; and a simple budget showing how they would use the £2,000 artist commission. Full details and the application form are available at overthebridge.photo/opportunities.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Monday 24th August 2026
• Interviews: w/c 31st August 2026
• Residency period: September 2026 – March 2027
• Solo exhibition at Fountain Arts, Scunthorpe: January 2027

The project has been made possible with the support of North Lincolnshire Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as part of Cultural Futures, a multi-year initiative to increase arts, heritage and cultural opportunities for North Lincolnshire.