Open call to community groups and artist practitioners to take part in upcoming ‘Infinite Museum’ project

The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and MBD, an organisation specialising in creative digital storytelling, have partnered to deliver the ‘Infinite Museum’, a virtual reality experience that looks to attract new audiences by bringing our local heritage stories to life in a new and exciting way.

As part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation programme, the ‘Infinite Museum’ will comprise of a VR headset that will take users into a virtual lift to explore different floors, bringing to life the rich history and heritage of South & East Lincolnshire, and highlighting heritage stories linked to our creative hub sites, such as Ayscoughfee Hall and Boston Guildhall.

As part of this project, MBD are set to lead a paid 4-day residency with local artist practitioners, providing an opportunity to develop new skills in immersive and creative technology.

Artists from all creative fields are welcome to apply regardless of experience in virtual reality, and could range from writers or poets to sound designers and illustrators.

The artist residency, which will take place from 27 November to 30 November, has a maximum capacity of 6 artists. Each selected artist practitioner will receive £1,000, making this a fantastic opportunity for local artists.

If you’re an artist based in South & East Lincolnshire and want to get involved, please email a Statement of Interest to NPO@e-lindsey.gov.uk by Monday 4 November. The statement can formatted into either 500 words or a 4-minute video or audio recording, and must address the following:

•            Explain why you want to take part in the project as an artist practitioner

•            Describe what skills and experience you bring to the team

•            Provide examples of your previous work (online portfolio, images, videos, etc.)

•            Confirm your availability for the dates of the residency

As well as the artist residency, MBD will be leading community workshops with 6 to 10 local young people, who will help produce the youth-led floor of the virtual experience.

Much like the artist residency, no prior skills are required in order to apply and take part in these workshops, as they will aim to nurture creativity and engagement in order to create an accessible and enjoyable experience for the successful applicants.

The young person residency will be a first-come, first-served opportunity, and will take place on Saturday 2 November, Sunday 3 November,  Saturday 23 November, and Sunday 24 November.

If you’re interested in this opportunity for either yourself or a loved one, and live within South & East Lincolnshire, please email your name, age, school attended, address, and contact details to NPO@e-lindsey.gov.uk by Monday 28 October. You will need to include a statement to show why you want to take part, that you’re available for the dates of the residency, and that you’re able to get to the venue.

If you’d like the learn more about ‘Infinite Museum’, you can visit MBD’s website at https://www.mbd.limited/mbd-projects/infinite-museum for more information.

The Partnership’s NPO funding looks to support arts, culture, heritage and creativity across the whole of South and East Lincolnshire, providing meaningful opportunity and programming for residents, developing the sector and helping to build our arts, culture and heritage offer.

In a joint statement the Partnership's representatives on the NPO culture board, Councillor Graham Marsh from East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Sarah Sharpe from Boston Borough Council and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath from South Holland District Council, said: “This is another exciting NPO project to be working on with MBD, combining the modern digital world with the rich culture and heritage of South and East Lincolnshire, whilst providing meaningful and paid opportunities for talented local artists to help shape and develop the final product.

"We are always looking to encourage more involvement and engagement in the sub-region, and to make our fantastic cultural sites more accessible to our younger residents and help them to feel ownership over projects and exhibitions. We would encourage people to put in an application if applicable, and get involved in this unique artistic experience."

Ellie Brooks, ‘Infinite Museum’ project lead at MBD, said: “At MBD, we're thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting project, using cutting-edge virtual reality technology to bring local history to life. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage audiences and celebrate our local heritage in a truly immersive and innovative way.”