London Museum funds 12 local DJs to anchor new late-night cultural programme
The institution is investing in grassroots talent and local partnerships to transform its Smithfield site into a day-to-night cultural hub, highlighting the growing institutional support for London's night-time economy.
The London Museum has launched a search for 12 emerging DJs to soundtrack its new late-night event series at its Smithfield site in Farringdon. The initiative, named the Sound of London collective, aims to drive the venue’s day-to-night transformation starting November 28.
Successful applicants will secure a year-long contract running from November 2026 to November 2027. The museum will pay a fee of £250 per set, with selectors expected to perform roughly one set per month. This structure guarantees a steady income for the selected talent, alongside professional headshots and three development sessions.
This structured remuneration reflects a broader trend of cultural institutions formalising gig-economy roles within the night-time sector. To deliver the programming, the museum has partnered with creative studio Hive Curates and the chicken shop chain Morley’s to leverage local commercial brands. The events will take over Our Time, a social space situated on the trading floor of the historic Victorian General Market.
Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, the museum's Head of Creative Programmes, explained the vision behind the initiative. "The Sound of London DJ Collective celebrates the people, neighbourhoods, local spaces and moments that bring this city to life," she said. "We’re looking for DJs with a unique voice and a connection to London’s sounds and stories, to help create great times for everyone."
The competition remains open until August 14 to applicants across London's 33 boroughs who possess the right to work in the UK. Beyond the performance fee, the initiative provides artist sessions where participants are given space, time and budget to socialise. The programme also includes a welcome workshop with legendary reggae DJ Don “Papa Face” Facey to explore soundsystem culture.
