We develop talent in a number of ways and it’s at the very heart of what we do as an organisation. Everything we do is through the scope of talent development. From being a home to hundreds of students who choose to learn their craft and hone their discipline in our building every day, to supporting professional artists with money, pastoral support, networking, fundraising support and space.

Associate Artists

in 2023 we were lucky enough to recruit four established artists or artistic companies who have national or international reputation for three years from 2023 – 26 to create new work that pushes the boundaries of form, uses innovative technologies in their work and undertakes significant public engagement through participatory arts and co-creation. In 2026 we recruited two additional Associates to join this portfolio. Our associates not only develop and produce new artistic work that inspires, challenges or delights audiences, but help guide our organisation to achieve its mission. These artists work with us on bespoke major commissions, significant presentation opportunities and will support our talent development opportunities for local innovate artists including open rehearsal or creation processes, workshops, and mentorship.

Innovate Artists

Each year we support local artists or artistic companies over a period of one year to develop new work, up-skill and grow in both their creative development and their business development through seed-commissions, mentoring and networking. These artists continue to research and develop projects.

Other ways we support and develop talent: 

Demo: is a series of work-in-progress evenings where artists are paid to present 20 minutes of work in front of a supportive audience. They also get that new work documented professionally and receive facilitated feedback from supportive peers.

The Lincoln Company: is our company of current and recently graduated students from the Lincoln School of Creative Arts. Together with professionals this company creative new artistic products and bridges the gap between being a student and being a professional practising artist.