Artist / Designer In Residence

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint an Artist/Designer in Residence on a fixed term basis from August 2024. The role of Artist/Designer in Residence has a dual purpose and provides a rare and exciting opportunity to develop their creative practice in a spacious studio while working with young people in a busy and thriving Art & Design Department. The Artist/Designer in Residence will have access to a wide range of materials, resources and equipment including printmaking facilities, sewing machines, a Mac suite and a photographic studio. The Artist/Designer in Residence is encouraged to make full use of the facilities and share their expertise by proactively engaging with teachers, pupils and classes with patience, compassion and positivity.

The Artist/Designer in Residence should expect to spend roughly half of their time developing their own practice and the other half assisting with Art & Design education and enrichment. During non-directed time the Artist/Designer in Residence is fully engaged in developing their practice in their studio within the Art School, acting as inspiration to the enquiring minds of the pupils.

With many opportunities to lead educational activities, the role suits an Art or Design graduate interested in Art & Design Education.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the apply for this job button.

Please include the following:

a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.
A CV
15-20 page PDF of your work
A link to your website (optional)

Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to vacancies@gwc.org.uk

If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 23 May 2024

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 13 June 2024
Package DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: 35 hours per week, Term time only, Fixed term contract

Salary: £24,000 (Based on 35 hours per week, 44 weeks per year)

Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
Main ResponsibilitiesStudio Presence and Creative Practice

During non-directed time the AIR/DIR maintains an active presence in the department from 08:00 - 16:00 to develop their own practice in their studio.

Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages creativity and experimentation.

The AIR/DIR should be passionate, approachable and enthusiastic.

Interaction with Teachers and Pupils

Work closely with staff and collaborate in inspiring and guiding pupils creatively and technically.

Actively participate in assisting teachers to deliver classes from P4-S6 when requested, proactively assisting and encouraging pupils and providing technical support where necessary.

Flexibility to work across a range of 8-18 year old pupils and take on multiple tasks.

Willingness to engage with and support pupils when unplanned needs arise.

Skills Sharing

Introduce new artistic techniques, concepts, and skills to pupils and colleagues by leading workshops for upper years and middle years, and leading Art, Design, or Photography Clubs for lower years.

Presenting and Exhibiting

Give talks about their practice to a range of classes/year groups.

Exhibit their work in various exhibitions including an opening exhibition, ‘work-in-progress’ exhibition and a final exhibition.

Assist in the presentation and exhibiting of pupils' work.

Professional Conduct

Share GWC's core values and determination to uphold them.

Maintain professionalism and act as a role model to pupils in conduct, communication, dress and punctuality.

Enrichment

Support the school enrichment programme by contributing to a range of nurture and enrichment activities including school trips.

Safeguarding

Following standard School Child Protection training, promote and safeguard the welfare of children by adhering to the school Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (and communicating concerns immediately to the line manager or Child Protection Officer.)
The Ideal CandidateEssential Criteria:

An Art or Design degree

An interest in Art & Design Education

Be passionate, approachable and enthusiastic

Strong organisational skills with the ability to set, manage and meet deadlines

Have patience, compassion and positivity

Show initiative, resilience and integrity

Ability to work across a range of media and disciplines within Art, Design and Photography

Skilled using the Adobe Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator

Desirable Criteria:

Experience working with young people

Experience delivering Art or Design workshops

Skills in fashion, textiles or pattern-cutting
About the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk