🥬 CALL OUT FOR ARTIST LEADS 🥬
ARTIST LEAD CALL OUT
Suggested term: 2 days/week over 2 years
Deadline: Sunday 19th March 2023
The Royal Standard (TRS) are looking for Artist Leads to join our current team of six. Founded in 2006, The Royal Standard has thrived on the hard work and dedication of our artists and volunteers, helping to establish us into one of the largest artist-led spaces galleries in Merseyside, with both national and international recognition.
We currently operate through a team of between 4-6 voluntary Artist Leads, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a thriving studio, currently housing a community of 40+ artists. As well as helping to nurture our community, the Artist Leads work towards delivering engaging crits, talks, exhibitions and fundraising events as part of our programme. The Artist Lead role provides individuals with a sense of responsibility and ownership in leading an arts organisation as part of a collective, as well as gaining experience in other areas such as project management, community engagement, curation, programme planning, fundraising and handling finances in an established arts organisation.
This is an excellent role for motivated early career artists or arts professionals to gain supported experience in all aspects of running an arts organisation, and an immense opportunity for personal development and active self-learning, whilst connecting with and contributing to Liverpool’s cultural ecology.
The Royal Standard has acted as a platform for artists and creatives to excel within their careers as arts practitioners. Our alumni include: James Harper (Curator, TÅ· Pawb), Laura Robertson (Founder, The Double Negative) and artists such as Kevin Hunt, Frances Disley and Emily Speed.
We ask for Artist Leads to contribute two days per week towards the role over a two-year period, however we are understanding of everyone's individual circumstances and realise that people's ability to commit to this role may change in line with their circumstances.
It is imperative that an Artist Lead is able to work in collaboration with the other Artist Leads and wider team: from contributing to key decisions relating to the running of the organisation to collaborating on programme planning and delivery. During your time as an Artist Lead, you will learn vital new skills which will excel you in your career in the arts and allow you to fully integrate with The Royal Standards community of artists, partners and the wider arts community.
Studio development delivery:
Ensuring the smooth running of our studio member scheme, including the recruitment of new members and maintenance of relationships with existing ones
Responding to studio members' requirements and concerns, including building and facilities maintenance
Holding 4 meetings per year (including an AGM) with the studio members
Researching and liaising with similar arts organisation across the UK and internationally, providing opportunities for studio members to travel in order to exhibit and make new work
Planning and delivering studio exchanges and residencies for studio members and artists in other cities
Advertising available spaces within The Royal Standard and aiming for 100% occupancy at all times
Assisting studio members to promote artist-led activity within the community
Providing tours to prospective studio members and other groups
Building and maintaining relationships with universities and other local cultural organisations who can benefit from the studio scheme
Governance:
Ensuring the organisation is run sustainably and with a view of its long-term growth and development
Ensuring the organisation is delivering against its mission, charitable aims and goals
Working closely with and reporting to the Board of Trustees a minimum of 4 times annually, or as required
Working alongside the other Artistic Directors to produce budgets and fundraising for all programmes
Working in accordance with The Royal Standard’s charitable policies and documents
Ensuring that The Royal Standard remains transparent and complies with any requirements of regulating bodies, such as Liverpool City Council, Arts Council and Companies House
Commitment to equality and diversity
Operational capacity:
Monitoring and responding to daily communications from studio members and the general public
Liaising with the landlord and building manager
Ensuring that each studio member pays their rent each month
Maintaining financial stability whilst completing cash sheets, forecasts and monitoring bank statements
Following up on payments for goods and services, whilst liaising with Trustees to approve payments in accordance with budgets
Exhibition and events delivery:
Planning and curating group and solo exhibitions
Liaising with artists and curators to commission new work or to exhibit previous works
Producing exhibition schedules, project reports and marketing and press materials
Working with both the other Artistic Directors and the Board of Trustees to produce budgets for each project and ensure that they are maintained
Producing risk assessments for each exhibition
Marketing the exhibition programme via our website, social media, newsletter and physically
Installing exhibitions, including technical support for artists
Maintaining the exhibition, ensuring it is invigilated and that the space is accessible and safe for visitors
Taking down exhibitions and returning exhibited work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Desirable (but not essential):
In-depth knowledge of contemporary artists and organisations across the UK and internationally
Some experience in planning and delivering exhibitions and related events
Flexibility in responding to the demands of the role, including the willingness to work evenings/weekends and to carry out laborious tasks
Ability to problem solve and think creatively when in a demanding situation
Dedication to the growth and development of the Liverpool arts community
Some experience of fundraising and budgeting for projects
A proactive, creative and collaborative working approach
Excellent communication skills, both in person and in writing
An intuitive, committed individual with an active interest in self-learning and self-development.
A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. fine art, curating, art history), or equivalent professional experience
We are committed to ensuring our team represents a diverse mix of skills and abilities. We seek applications from people from all backgrounds and experiences, and are actively encouraging applications from BAME or disabled applicants. If there is anything we can do to make this role more accessible and meet specific needs, please let us know. If you would like to have an informal chat about the role with one of our Artist Leads, or have any questions, please contact us via info@the-royal-standard.co.uk.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following documents to info@the-royal-standard.co.uk, with the subject ‘Artist Lead Application 23’
A CV outlining your relevant experience
A brief statement of how you may be suited to the role, what you could offer to our team and community, and any other information you may think is relevant to the role. (500 words max.)
DEADLINE: Sunday 19th March 2023
