Organizer Information
The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London is home to the world’s largest collection of portraits. Beyond being a museum, the NPG acts as a cultural bridge, using portraiture to explore British identity, history, and creative expression. After a major redevelopment, the Gallery has introduced NPG Lab to ensure young voices are integrated into its daily operations, from event planning to digital content creation.
Title & Description
NPG Lab 2026: Open Call for Young Creatives
NPG Lab is an intensive, 10-month professional development program where 50 selected participants (aged 16–21) form a "brilliant collective." Members get hands-on experience by planning and promoting large-scale events, creating educational resources, and responding creatively to the Gallery's Collection. The centrepiece of the 2026 program is the planning and co-hosting of a huge Youth "Late" event in Autumn 2026, which is expected to take over the Gallery with live music, film screenings, and workshops for up to 1,000 attendees.
Categories
- Creative Industries: Event Planning, Arts Administration, and Marketing.
- Artistic Practice: Photography, Film, Digital Media, and Social Media Content Creation.
- Curation: Interpretation and responding to museum collections.
Eligibility
- Age: 16 to 21 years old.
- Representation: 50% of places are reserved for young people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, working-class, care-experienced, young carers, and/or are part of the Global Majority.
- Background: Particularly welcomes those not currently in education or employment.
- Commitment: Must be able to attend regular meetings from February to December 2026.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exact Bursary Amount: £600 (to help cover time, travel, food, and other personal expenses).
- Alumni Network: Graduation into NPG LOOP, a creative community network to maintain momentum after the program.
- Perks: Complimentary exhibition tickets, free art materials (LAB programme pack), and free snacks/drinks during sessions.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Online Form: Basic personal details and eligibility criteria.
- Creative Motivation: Answering why you want to be part of the collective and what creative skills or interests you bring.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will attend an informal interview.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 January 2026
- Informal Interviews: 27 February 2026
- Program Duration: February – December 2026
- Major Project: Youth "Late" Event in Autumn 2026
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
This is the second year of the Lab following a successful 2025 pilot. It is designed as a non-hierarchical space where your ideas directly influence how one of the UK’s most famous galleries engages with young audiences.