The exhibition will explore women's stories across Hull and the Humber, past and present, through the themes of heritage, industry and community.

We are interested in work that looks beyond traditional narratives of local history and creates space for new and overlooked stories to emerge.

The commissions will give two photographers the opportunity to develop new work in response to the people, places, histories and communities of the region. Selected photographers will be given access to the museum collection to support their research and the development of their work.

We are interested in photographers bringing their own approach, perspective and visual language to the project.

For example, you might choose to explore:

• Women’s roles in local industry and working life

• Women's contributions to the heritage of Hull and the Humber

• Family histories and intergenerational stories

• Women’s relationships with particular places and communities

• Changing experiences of women across generations

• Stories that have been overlooked or underrepresented

• Contemporary experiences of women living and working in the region

• Community, identity and belonging

These are suggestions rather than a fixed brief; we want to hear your ideas. Your proposed project could involve working with individuals or communities, responding to a particular place, exploring an archive or collection, or developing a more personal or conceptual approach to the themes.

• We welcome expressions of interest from photographers at different stages of their practice, including emerging, early-career and established photographers.

• You should have a connection to Hull and/or the Humber region, either through where you live or work, or through a meaningful connection to the area.

• We're particularly interested in photographers who are excited by socially engaged practice, documentary, landscape, portraiture or other approaches that explore the relationship between people and place.

• We welcome applications from photographers from all backgrounds and encourage applications from those currently underrepresented within the arts.

We are asking for a short expression of interest rather than a fully developed project proposal at this stage. We are interested in your ideas, your approach and how you might respond to the opportunity. Selected photographers will work with Over the Bridge and the Streetlife Museum to help realise their project.

To apply please complete the form below with the following information:

• About you - A short introduction to yourself and your photographic practice

• Your idea - Tell us about your initial thoughts for the commission. What stories, people, places or themes are you interested in exploring? How might you approach the project?

• Your connection to the region - Tell us about your connection to Hull and/or the Humber, and why this project interests you

• Examples of your work - Please provide up to five examples of your photographic work, either as a PDF or via a link to your website or online portfolio
  

Expression of interest deadline: Monday 19th October 2026

Selected photographers notified: w/c Monday 26th October 2026

Exhibition starts: February 2027