Following the success of the Gallery’s award-winning digital programme, an open call launches today for 50 UK-based content creators to join year three of the 200 Creators Network.
The 200 Creators Network brought together a dynamic mix of digital voices to connect the nation’s paintings with new audiences. Spanning mudlarkers, BookTokers, photographers, fashion creators, florists and more, the Network brought the Gallery’s collection to life in fresh and unexpected ways. In total, the 2025/6 programme saw creator content reach over 10.8 million views and generate more than 260k engagements across social media.
At the heart of the initiative were four Creative Collaborators – a small group of hand-selected creators who worked closely with the Gallery to co-create bold, original content. Their work reimagined the Gallery’s collection through personal, playful and often surprising perspectives. Posts from the Creative Collaborators alone generated over 1.6 million views across Gallery channels.
Standout moments included Jackie Todd’s post on Queen Charlotte (7.7 million views on Instagram and 570k views on TikTok) and Dr Rebecca Marks, who created over 40 pieces of content delving into our collection (over 1.3 million views in total across TikTok and Instagram). And from our Creative Collaborators, Delaram Motlagh created her own outfit inspired by female self portraits in the collection (150K views on Instagram), and mudlarker Alessio Checconi brought his finds from along the River Thames into the Gallery to show surprising connections with the Gallery, including where to spot aglets hidden in our paintings (776K views on Instagram).
Now, building on this success, the Gallery is looking for 50 new UK-based content creators to join the Network in 2026–7.
From today, creators are invited to submit an expression of interest for the chance to become part of this unique initiative – gaining behind-the-scenes access to the Gallery and its world-renowned collection, with opportunities to create content, attend exclusive events and workshops, and connect with other creators.
The National Gallery is looking for a broad range of content creators whose communities are interested in topics including (but not limited to) history, fashion, science, family life, travel or food. Whether or not you consider yourself ‘into art’, the Gallery is looking for unique perspectives and fresh voices to help share the collection in new, creative and original ways.
As with the current iteration of the network, four paid opportunities (£4,000 each) will be offered throughout the year to selected creators within the Network, supporting the creation of digital content in collaboration with the Gallery.
The 200 Creators Network will begin with an out-of-hours launch event on 30 November 2026 at the Gallery, offering the chance to explore the collection and connect with other creators. Throughout the year, Network members will also be invited to exclusive exhibition previews, workshops with social media platforms and events hosted by partner museums across the UK.
Ellie Wyant, Senior Communications Manager (Social and Communities) and project lead, said, ‘Over the past two years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how content creators from across the internet have responded to our collection in thoughtful and imaginative ways. The second year of the network continued to show how the Gallery and our collection can be explored through so many different lenses and I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and engagement we’ve seen across social media from these unexpected places. I’m thrilled to be launching the third year of the Network and can’t wait to connect with a whole new cohort of creators, each bringing their own unique perspectives to the Gallery and its paintings.’
John Stack, Director of Digital Innovation and Technology at the National Gallery, added, ‘It’s a joy and an inspiration to see so many imaginative responses to the Gallery. We are excited to build on this sector-leading programme and continue opening up new ways for people to connect with our collection as we enter the third year of the 200 Creators Network.’
UK-based content creators who would like to be part of the 200 Creators Network are encouraged to send an expression of interest through the Gallery’s website by 27 September 2026.
The following is a guide for creators looking to apply. However, we’re interested in a wide range of voices for the Network, so if you don’t meet all of the criteria below but still wish to be considered, please do go ahead and apply.
As a general guide, applicants should have at least one of the following:
• 50k+ subscribers on YouTube
• 50k+ followers on TikTok and 1 million+ likes on their account
• 100k+ followers on Instagram
• Other platforms will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants should also have experience creating content for communities or brands – though not necessarily within the cultural sector.
For more information and to submit an expression of interest, visit nationalgallery.org.uk/200-creators
