Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust in Carlisle (brand name: Tullie) is seeking a creative professional to work with us as an Artist Curator as part of Phase 3 of Project Tullie, our capital development programme. We are looking for a specialist who can bring their experience and creativity to support intricate, innovative, and sculptural displays of museum collections, as well as someone who can support the development of soundscapes within this work. It is envisaged that the focus will be a spectacular ‘Central Sculpture’ suspended at ceiling height, which will help to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the Tullie collections.

Tullie’s Vision: 

“Tullie will help Carlisle and Cumbria be a thriving place for everyone. Our collections and programmes will bring people together, growing social capital, confidence, and creativity. They will make this a better place to live and work and strengthen our identity and pride.”

Our Mission: 

“Tullie is the heartbeat of Carlisle’s cultural life. We use our collections and programmes to inspire engagement and creativity in the heart of our community.”

Project Vision: 

Project Tullie has three strategic objectives:

• People: creating a sense of inclusivity and community, being a catalyst for creative enjoyment; 
• Place: reimagining the original purpose of Tullie House as Carlisle’s centre of arts, learning
  and knowledge; 
• Heritage: revealing and restoring the hidden buildings and sharing hidden collections. 

1.0 Introduction: Tullie – Carlisle’s home of culture 

In 1890, the sale of Old Tullie House – which dates from the late-seventeenth century and was facing demolition at that time – seemed an ideal opportunity for those who wanted to create a cultural hub for Carlisle.

This included local architect and antiquarian Charles J Ferguson, who saw the house, with all its history and fine architecture, as an ideal core for a new free museum, library, and school of art.

Using public donations, Ferguson bought the house for the city with the intent to create a new public facility. Following this act of civic philanthropy, Tullie House was officially opened as an ‘Institute of Science and Literature and Art’ on 8 November 1893.

As the 20th century progressed, the School of Art and the Public Library relocated – the former becoming the Institute of the Arts, now the University of Cumbria. Tullie, with its collections growing at a significant rate, expanded and developed in 1990 and 2000 to create the major resource that it is today.

As Carlisle’s most important visitor attraction, Tullie has, for over 130 years, built a national and international reputation for its collection and exhibitions, particularly those relating to the archaeological and natural history of the Border region.

From its nineteenth-century origins, Tullie has been a civic endeavour, striving to bring together learning, creativity, and public engagement for the people of Carlisle and beyond.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust was established as a charity in 2011 to manage Tullie House Museum on behalf of the people of Carlisle and Cumbria.

In 2016 the Trust created a Manifesto to help connect the museum with its audiences, to identify a common purpose, and establish an ambitious direction. The Manifesto was refreshed in 2021 (Appendix 1) and today forms the basis of all our work, along with the following two strategic priorities: financial sustainability and community engagement.

The ‘Project Tullie’ Futureplan was conceived to support Tullie’s ambition to weave community engagement and financial resilience together so that Tullie can develop its role, connect better with its audiences, and deliver inspiring and popular programmes.

Tullie is the largest museum in Cumbria and cares for almost one million cultural artefacts, using these to engage, inspire, and educate residents and visitors to Cumbria.

Over 200,000 visitors, and 14,500 school children engage with the museum each year and through partnership working the Trust provides leadership for all 23 Cumbrian museums.

A third of Tullie’s visitors are from the local community, a third regional, and a third national or international. Tullie is important to a wide range of users and is a significant part of the social and economic life of Carlisle and the wider region.

Tullie has several permanent galleries, an award-winning temporary exhibition and learning programme, and runs an extensive range of events and engagement activities.

It is an Accredited Museum operated by an independent charitable trust and receives core funding from Cumberland Council and National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England (ACE). In 2019, the Natural Sciences Collection received Designated status by ACE as a collection of national significance.

Despite Tullie being an important community resource and an integral part of Carlisle’s heritage and townscape, the current buildings and spaces prevent the Trust from being fully able to deliver the Manifesto and respond to the changing needs and interests of today’s audiences.

2.0 Project Tullie 

2.1 Overview

Project Tullie aims to transform this vital heritage and community resource into a world-class destination, helping to deliver the Trust’s aspiration for Tullie to become the cultural heart of Carlisle, Cumbria, and the Borderlands.

The Futureplan, developed in 2019 and informed by extensive consultation and research, aims to transform the much-loved museum into a thriving and dynamic hub for heritage, community engagement, and wellbeing.

Through Project Tullie, the aim is to create a more resilient and sustainable organisation by revealing the potential of the buildings and increasing the amount of collections on display.

Project Tullie will rationalise existing spaces, allowing for more of our significant collections of archaeology, art, geology, natural and human history to be shared and displayed, whilst also providing spaces for new indoor and outdoor experiences.

We will co-develop galleries, both new and refurbished, to create vibrant and dynamic spaces in which collections, people, stories, and contemporary connections will be front and centre.

This project will enable Tullie to grow and diversify audiences, increase financial sustainability, and contribute to the city and region’s profile and impact.

Responding to the challenges faced by the Museum Trust, the Project Tullie Futureplan identifies a series of improvements to Tullie, which will enable it to fulfil its vision. Ultimately, the Futureplan aims to deliver the following: 

• Improved entrance with single main entrance/exit and building connectivity  
• Remodelled central welcome area with enhanced visibility of collection 
• Redevelopment of currently empty and dilapidated historic buildings on Castle Street
• Fit-for-purpose, accessible and integrated learning and community spaces with modern facilities
• Refurbished and expanded catering and events spaces
• Renewed retail offer
• Refurbishment of all existing 1990s galleries 
• Development of a new Roman-themed Children’s Experience 
• Relocation of onsite collection stores to create new public gallery spaces
• Refurbishment of original Old Tullie townhouse and gardens 
  
  

2.2 Phase 3: Breaking Down Barriers Overview

The project responds to audience demand to see more of Tullie’s nationally significant collections by refreshing the existing 1990s galleries and revealing more than 100,000 collection items for the first time through an innovative ‘Active Gallery’ approach.

A new Learning Studio will help Tullie to double primary school visits, and a 5-year Activity Programme will ensure there are engagement opportunities for all throughout the project.

Project Tullie Phase 3 will: 

• Create a new 850sqm Active Gallery, through the redesign of the museum’s principal exhibition spaces, the 1990s Border Galleries. The project will convert this 850sqm space into a dynamic, flexible gallery which can support a changing programme of activity and support the display of 100,000 collection items.
• Create a new modern and accessible learning suite by refurbishing and extending an unused stable block located in the museum’s ‘Secret Garden’ and connecting this to the main museum site via a connecting corridor and toilet block.
• Improve collections storage facilities and collections management.
• Increase volunteering and engagement opportunities.

The principal funder for this phase is The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

2.3 Overall Project Programme

The headline timeline for Phase 3: Breaking Down Barriers is as follows:

• Main Construction: March 2026 - October 2026
• Exhibition Build (off-site): August 2026 - October 2026
• Exhibition Build (on-site): October 2026 - February 2027
• Collections Installation: February 2027 - April 2027
• Completion and open to public: May 2027 - July 2027
    

3.0 Artist Curator Brief, Scope of Work & Timeframes 

3.1 Artist Curator Brief

Tullie is seeking an experienced Artist Curator to plan, curate and deliver a creative display of Tullie’s varied collections within the Phase 3 Active Gallery.

It is envisaged that this display will form a spectacular ‘Central Sculpture’ suspended at ceiling height, celebrating the depth and breadth of the Tullie collections, alongside a creative soundscape.

We are looking for someone who can respond to the museum and its collections with an innovative approach to museum display. The installation should include a range of suspended objects at height, drawing visitors through the gallery to experience an exciting exploration of Tullie’s historic collection and themes.

The appointed Artist Curator will work alongside the Collections and Access Manager and the Active Gallery Producer, and collectively you will feed creative input to the lead Exhibitions Designers.

The Artist Curator will:

• Curate, design, and plan a new installation of collection objects known as the ‘Central Sculpture’ (working title) as part of the new Gallery developments under Project Tullie Phase 3: Breaking Down Barriers, in close collaboration with the Exhibition and Interpretation Design team and the Project Tullie Project Management Team.
• Research, identify, and select collection items to be displayed as part of the ‘Central Sculpture’ with the Tullie team.
• Work collaboratively to help support the Exhibition Design team to finalise technical requirements for object suspension at height and define the hanging system together.
• Research, identify, and if required, commission a series of audio files to create a soundscape to accompany the physical work in close collaboration with the Curatorial and Design teams. It is suggested that these sounds will be of, or reflect, the objects themselves and evoke an atmosphere of the historic collections.
• Work closely with the Project Tullie team to ensure that collections’ care and conservation needs are being met within the installation.
• Consider how the visitor will learn, feel, and respond when interacting with the ‘Central Sculpture’.

3.2 Scope of Work

Research: June – August 2026

1. Conduct research into Tullie’s collections to identify potential objects/materials to include in the installation.
2. Produce a draft object list of both collection and interpretation items for the installation.
3. Consider with the Tullie team the conservation requirements of the objects and robustness for open display and long-term suspension.
4. Research and select/define audio files to create an accompanying soundscape for the installation.

Development: August – October 2026

1. Collaborate with Tullie to define the scope and objectives of the installation.
2. Prepare a detailed content plan which considers all requirements of the final installation.
3. Collaborate with Project Team, Design Team and the appointed Collections Mount Maker on the design plan for the ‘Central Sculpture’.
4. Ensure that the plan aligns with the values and identity of Tullie and Project Tullie, Phase 3: Breaking Down Barriers.

Delivery: November – December 2026

1. Support the design and planning for the installation, working closely with the Project Tullie team and external Design team.
2. Support the design and planning of the audio soundscape, working closely with the Project Tullie team.
3. Evaluate the project with the Project Tullie team and any external funding evaluators.
    

3.3 Project Timeframes

Based on the project deliverable in Section 3, the following timeframes for input into the project are as follows:

• Anticipated Start: June 2026
• Research: June – August 2026
• Development: August – October 2026
• Delivery: November – December 2026

4.0 Criteria & Submission Requirements 

4.1 Criteria

There will be a two-stage selection and evaluation process, including a Stage One submission followed by a Stage Two meeting for shortlisted candidates. The following quality criteria will apply across the project.

Stage One Criteria: Submission Evaluation

1. Artistic Statement: 10%

• Provides a background to your practice and experience, methods and approach, and your own creative objectives.  
• Evidence: Provide an Artist Statement of no more than 500 words.

2. Curatorial Experience: 20%

• Demonstrates proven experience of curation within a museum or gallery setting. 
• A strong understanding of the museum and arts sectors and experience of leading on display practice.
• Evidence: Provide 2-3 examples of previous experience.  No more than 3 sides of A4.

3. Cost & Project Plan: 10%

• Meets the available budget and provides sufficient time and resources to deliver the project.
• Evidence: Provide a proposed fee breakdown with key milestones and expected time commitment. No more than 1 side of A4.

4. References: 0%

• Please provide two references. References will only be taken up if selected for the package of work.

Stage Two Criteria: Interview Evaluation

5. Research and Analysis: 10%

• The approach you would take to research and working with the collections 

6. Communication, Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: 10%

• The ability to articulate ideas clearly and work collaboratively across the project team. 

7. Creative Approach: 20%

• Understanding of the project objectives and overall creative approach.

8. Collections, Interpretation & Technical Skills: 20%

• Collections management understanding, technical awareness, and an understanding of how to support delivery of the project in a practical and cost-effective way. 
  
  

4.2 Procurement Timescale

• Brief issued: Tuesday, 10 March 2026
• Closing date: 10 am Monday 18 May 2026
• Interviews: Thursday 28 May 2026
• Anticipated start date: From June 2026 
   

5.0 Application

To apply, please submit an initial proposal responding to criteria items 1 – 4 in Section 4.0.

This should include:

• An Artist Statement of no more than 1 side of A4.
• 2-3 examples of previous experience. No more than 3 sides of A4.
• A proposed fee breakdown with key milestones and expected time commitment. No more than 1 side of A4.
• Please provide two references. References will only be taken up if selected for the package of work.

These have been identified in the submission form.

Any enquiries or requests for information relating to this brief should be requested via Curator Space by 5 pm Monday 11 May 2026.

Applications must be submitted via Curator Space by 10 am Monday, 18 May 2026.

An equal opportunities form will be shared following receipt of submissions.

6.0 Budget

The maximum available budget for the Artist Curator fee is £10,000.

Please ensure that your fees allow for any reasonable expenses and disbursements.

7.0 Further Information  

The agreement will be made between the appointed professional and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust.

The agreement will be managed by Amy Walker, Head of Strategy and Capital Programme, Programme Manager for Project Tullie. Day-to-day management will be undertaken by the relevant Project Area Lead.

The Client reserves the right to: 

• Make no appointment.
• Negotiate the scope and fee for the works with the preferred professional.
• Extend the brief to further stages of work by negotiation and within the terms of the UK Public Procurement Regulations 2015.

Please note: 

• The award of this contract is subject to the approval of our funding partner The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
• Documents received by Tullie as part of this brief should be treated as confidential.
• Information received from Tullie as part of this brief should also be treated in a confidential manner.