A catalyst for the region

WHAT WE DO

The Barbican Creative Hub provides much-needed facilities and visibility for the creative and cultural industries in Greater Lincolnshire. More than just a building, we foster a county-wide collaborative and reciprocal approach of partnering with leading organisations, grassroots initiatives, and individual creatives to support the sector so that it can compete on a national and international stage.

Who we work with

We support established creative businesses, freelancers, new startups, and graduates across Greater Lincolnshire, whilst supporting all aspects of the creative sector, from art to architecture, fashion to film, craft to curators, and design to digital media amongst others. The goal is to build a vibrant ecosystem, showcase creative talent, build business to business opportunities, and drive growth in the region’s creative industries.

HOW TO GAIN SUPPORT

Our programming supports your creative practice, from business workshops, new opportunities, and connections to investors and funders via East Midlands Create Growth. We also provide sector-boosting training focused on inclusivity and sustainability. Our flagship conferences promote innovation, creative meetups foster collaboration, and commissions offer platforms to showcase and develop new work, all part of the co-delivery of the university’s Arts Council NPO.

the creative hub

Located in the iconic Grade II listed Barbican building, the hub will offer a mix of studios, a members’ lounge, flexible coworking spaces, a ‘white cube’ event space, meeting rooms, and a stunning café bar, all designed to support creativity and collaboration.

This exciting project has been made possible by a unique three-way partnership between the University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire Co-Op, and the City of Lincoln Council, with funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Agenda, the Town Deal scheme, the High Street Heritage Action Zone from Historic England, and Lincolnshire Co-Op.

STUDIOS AND COWORKING

From Spring 2025, we will offer a range of inspiring spaces to support your creative journey. Our 9 studios are ideal for creative businesses looking to be part of a thriving hub, while our coworking spaces feature both short-term and long-term desk hire. The members’ lounge provides a relaxed setting for casual work, with day passes available for those seeking a flexible workspace. Want to join us? Book your viewing now, as reservations for studios and co-working desks are already open.

CREATIVES IN RESIDENCE

Launching in November 2024, our Creatives in Residence programme is open to both individuals and collectives from all creative sectors, not just artists. With a focus on fostering innovation, the residency offers wraparound support, including subsidised or free studio space. Participants will also have the chance to showcase their work and contribute to the wider creative community through events and engagement. 

VENUE HIRE

Our 1,000 sq ft multipurpose White Cube is perfect for R&D sessions, pop-up events, rehearsals, and talks, providing a flexible environment for creative exploration. We also have three fully equipped meeting rooms that cater for smaller gatherings and presentations. Whereas our Members Lounge can also serve as an informal talk or workshop space, creating a relaxed atmosphere for creativity and collaboration. Venue hires range from 4 to 60 attendees, and can be catered by our in-house cafe bar.

CAFE BAR

We also have our own dramatic 60-seater café bar, serving both the creative community and the general public from morning to early evening. Designed as a vibrant social space, the café bar will offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for informal meetings, networking, or simply unwinding. With its stylish setting on the ground floor, it will complement the hub’s creative energy while offering a welcoming space for the wider community.

WHY CHOOSE US

  1. Create a dynamic sector
  2. Reach new audiences
  3. Collaborate with others
  4. Feel supported and inspired