A new programme for early and midcareer researchers and cultural practitioners
The National Centre for Academic and Cultural Exchange (NCACE) facilitates and supports capacity for Knowledge Exchange between Higher Education and the arts and cultural sector across the UK, with a particular focus on evidencing and showcasing the social, cultural, environmental, as well as economic impacts of such activities. NCACE is part of the School of Advanced Study, University of London.
What is the NCACE Lightbox Programme
Lightbox: Researcher Visibility & Collaboration Programme is a brand-new free pilot programme designed to support early and midcareer academics, artists, and cultural practitioners to develop small scale, high impact collaborative projects with smaller arts and cultural organisations. This programme is for people who want to work differently: relationally, creatively, and in ways that open new visibilities for research and artistic practice.
It is being designed to help participants to:
- Gain an understanding of partnership working and knowledge co-creation with smaller arts and cultural organisations
- Develop capacity to co-develop and project manage an innovative, small-scale activity or event in collaboration with an arts partner
- Develop methodologies to communicate the planned activity to an agreed audience and stakeholder(s)
- Advocate for the values of transdisciplinary collaborative research and partnerships
What the Programme Offers
Developing collaborative knowledge and values: Learn how to build equitable, reciprocal collaborations between researchers, cultural practitioners and small arts organisations, understanding the wider context
Communication skills: Develop skills in communicating your collaborative work to diverse audiences, supported by communication experts
A supportive cross sector cohort: Join a cohort of researchers, artists, and practitioners committed to transdisciplinary collaboration and creative knowledge exchange.
Modes of Working
- In person day events comprising exercises, peer-to-peer activities and networking in areas such as project management, understanding collaborations and how they evolve; thinking about projects in relationship to the places in which they occur
- Online sessions that will build on the in-person sessions, introducing new elements to the knowledge base of the programme
- Mentoring with experts in developing collaborative practices, communications, fundraising and related areas
- Evidenced engagement with the NCACE Collection
Applications are now open with the deadline of 5pm Friday 12 June 2026.
For recruitment information and application details please click here.
Please send your completed application to mai.musie@sas.ac.uk