Hertfordshire Libraries seeks creative practitioner

Fee: Up to £1,800 including materials
Closing Deadline: 27 March 2026, 5pm

Hertfordshire Libraries celebrated 100 years of public library service from February 2025 - February 2026. To mark this milestone, we are commissioning an artist to create a piece of work that captures, interprets, and celebrates the library service’s centenary through the voices, memories, creativity, and experiences of our communities and staff.

We welcome proposals from artists at any stage of their career, working in any discipline including (but not limited to): illustration, graphic design, animation, video, photography, creative writing, digital art, mixed media, sound, or socially engaged practice. The final artwork will be used to help tell the story of Hertfordshire Libraries’ 100 year celebrations held across the county during our Centenary year. The final piece may also be displayed in physical and/or digital formats across the county. We encourage creativity, experimentation, and approaches that make the centenary feel vibrant, relevant, and celebratory.

The commissioned artist will produce a piece of work inspired by quotations and memories from community members, photographs and archival images, and material and content created by library staff during our centenary year.

The final outcome may take any form the artist feels is appropriate, such as:
• A digital information sheet or poster with artwork and graphics
• A short video or animation
• A physical artwork that can be photographed or digitised
• A mixed media or multi-sensory piece
• A narrative or illustrated piece that brings stories from our centenary year to life

Expectations
• Experience of community informed or story based projects (desirable but not required)
• A passion for libraries, learning, or public engagement
• A safe and respectful approach to working in a library setting. The selected artist will be representing Hertfordshire Libraries during the residency and must uphold the HCC values and behaviours.

How to Apply

Applicants should send:
• A short expression of interest (max 300 words) outlining your idea or approach
• Up to 5 relevant examples of previous work (images or links)
• A short bio or CV
• Any access requirements for the application process or commission

Applications should be submitted to: l.hardingham-pierce@hertfordshire.gov.uk

If you need this brief in another format, or would like to discuss the opportunity before applying, please contact us.