Artist in Resident

Main Duties

Role Summary

To be an artistic and creative presence at Downside School, using the opportunity to continue your own practice and develop your work alongside pupils and staff. There is a designated studio and you will have access to all facilities within the Art and Design Departments.

To support the Art Department in terms of technical support in a wide range of lessons and activities that occur throughout the week. You should possess the technical ability to provide support in a range of artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture and computer graphics and be prepared to learn about and support, methods, and techniques with which you may not already be familiar.

The equivalent of one and a half full days in a seven-day week will be ‘protected’ time to enable you to continue your own practice. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The following list is not exhaustive but the post holders’ principal responsibilities are:

·      Running an ‘Open Studio’ in the Art Department and always being prepared to discuss own work with pupils and staff.

·      Providing technical support in KS3 and KS4 lessons, additional support sessions and academic enrichment activities as required.

·      Advise and encourage KS5 pupils on their work and portfolio preparation.

·      Set up and take down the art studio for life drawing.

·      Open Art Department twice a week during prep (7.30-9.00pm) for pupils and on Sunday afternoons (1.00-5.00pm).

·      Help with Junior Activities during the week.

·      Support the setting up of exhibitions such as for GCSE and A Level.

·      Support the setting up of artwork around the School.

·      Create an artwork during their residency for the School to keep permanently.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for someone who:

• Has portfolio evidence of a high quality of artistic work.
• Has a relevant University degree or equivalent experience in Art.
• Is passionate about working with children in an educational setting.
• Is committed to their own professional development.
• Will embrace our Catholic, Benedictine ethos.
• Is confident with the ability to motivate and enthuse students and work collaboratively with colleagues.