Disabled Artists Offered Major Commission to Re-imagine Coal Mining Heritage

Posted By: KLTVon: November 15, 2025In: Cultural Leaders Group TV, News

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By KLTV Newsdesk –

A new mentorship and commission opportunity has been launched for disabled artists, inviting them to create new work inspired by the UK’s coal mining history in partnership with the National Coal Mining Museum for England.

The programme, funded by Arts Council England, will be led by the renowned Wakefield-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE. It offers time, space, and dedicated support for disabled creatives to produce new art based on mining heritage and its impact on people and places.

What the Commission Includes

Running from January to August 2026, this six-month initiative is open to disabled artists based in or connected to former coalfield communities across the UK.

Three micro-commissions are available, each offering:

A $\pounds$ 2,000 artist fee
A $\pounds$ 500 materials budget
Up to $\pounds$ 600 in access support

Selected artists will be supported by mentor Jason Wilsher-Mills, whose own vibrant work is deeply informed by his disability and coal mining heritage.

Participants will collaborate with communities to explore local culture, with their final works set to be exhibited at the Museum in Wakefield.

The art may also be shown at touring partner venues and digitally alongside Jason’s own major new exhibition.

The programme aims to help artists grow their skills and confidence through mentorship, peer learning, and gaining insights into socially engaged practice.

‘Telling Important Stories in Fresh and Powerful Ways’

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum, praised the project’s goals.

“We are proud to be part of this exciting project, which brings the fascinating history of coal mining to life through the creativity of disabled artists.

“This initiative ensures their voices are at the heart of cultural conversations, telling important stories of our coalfield communities in fresh and powerful ways.

“We can’t wait to see the incredible results and display them in our Galleries.”