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Form of work
SalaryFixed Term until 31/01/2025
As a Principal Curator & Producer, you’ll thrive on being a creative individual and the opportunity to lead on the artistic direction of the city’s Light Night event – one of the UK’s largest free multi-arts light festivals.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Principal Curator & Producer for Light Night, Leeds you will bring to the role:
- Knowledge and experience of planning and delivering light art including projection mapping, installations and performances
- Experience of preparing and submitting arts funding applications
- Educated to degree level or a professional vocational qualification within the arts (or a relevant subject / area)
About the role
As our next Principal Curator & Producer for Light Night Leeds, you’ll have a strong passion for the arts and the ability to collaborate and network effectively across a wide range of artists, producers, contractors, stakeholders, and partners across the cultural sector. The successful candidate will be able to work flexibly and calmly under pressure across multiple projects simultaneously and be able to prioritise work programmes and meet deadlines.
The role is integral to our Events team within the Arts, Events & Venues service which organises and manages a diverse programme of events on Millennium Square and within the city centre.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Craig Shackleton, Events Manager. Call 0113 37 87169 or email craig.shackleton@leeds.gov.uk
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job description
Job Purpose: To provide artistic and curatorial leadership and operational support in the delivery of the city’s Light Night multi-arts and light festival.
Responsibilities for Grade:
- Lead on the artistic development, curation and implementation of a high-quality festival programme
- Preparation and submission of project funding application to Arts Council England (ACE) and to maintain and nurture close working relationships
- Research, identify and prepare applications for other potential arts funding opportunities, both locally and nationally
- Establish and administer a local curatorial and festival programming board made up of key cultural, creative and artistic institutions, organisations, individuals and strategic partners
- Undertake research, fieldwork and site visits to other UK light festivals and installations relevant to the festival curation and development of a high-quality city centre visitor attraction.
- Represent the festival at LUTN (Light Up the North) and to attend other relevant industry conferences, events, exhibitions and networking opportunities
- Be responsible for the temporary care and interpretation of all featured art works, installations, collections and commissions and to ensure a collaborative approach to working with artists, co-curators, producers, contractors and suppliers
- Work closely with the Event Management team to assist with the setting up and placing of artworks, projections, installations and light displays and to ensure a due regard for the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work at all times, promoting a safe working practices for all staff, artists, producers, contractors, volunteers and public attending
- Work closely with Marketing and Audience Development colleagues to develop and maintain the national and international profile of Light Night Leeds, contributing to copy writing of website and programme notes and to assist with the evaluation of the event including audience surveys and responding to visitor comments and feedback
- Work collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure that project delivery meets the needs of all stakeholders (including funding bodies, venues, sponsors, arts organisations and community organisations)
- Work within allocated budgets and to help seek sponsorship and funding.
- Promote and apply consistently the principles of accessibility, diversity and inclusion to ensure all activities are accessible and inclusive to all, both in content of programme and site design and location
- Undertake the accountabilities of the post in accordance with corporate values and priorities and council policies including Equal Opportunities
- Contribute to team, cross directorate and service activities and initiatives as required and / or to undertake any other duties as required as directed by the Events Manager that are commensurate with the nature and level for this post
Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level or professional vocational qualification within the arts (or a relevant subject/area), or equivalent experience.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.
Skills Required
- Able to collaborate and network effectively both internally and externally across the wider cultural sector both nationally and internationally
- Able to work flexibly and to prioritise and manage own workload to meet agreed targets and deadlines and to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Able to work monitor and control resources including the management of budgets and income targets
- Able to work as a part of a close-knit team and to support, develop and supervise staff
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people from staff and volunteers to artists, funders, donors and sector professionals
Knowledge Required
- Of large-scale projection mapping techniques, light performances and installations
- Of current trends and best practices in outdoor light festivals and a wider cultural attraction setting
- Of local arts & cultural activity, venues and organisations
- Of local, national and international arts funding organisations and opportunities
- Of an understanding of health and safety and equalities legislation
Experience Required
- Of planning and delivering light art and / or other performing arts projects to a wide variety of audiences
- Of working collaboratively with and presenting national and international artists and collections
- Of researching, preparing and submitting arts funding applications
- Of developing and maintaining partnerships with a wide range of cultural, creative and artistic institutions, organisations and individuals
- Of monitoring and controlling budgets including generating additional income through sponsorship and other commercial income
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
- Demonstrates an enthusiasm for working within the arts and outdoor events industry with a flexible approach to working unsociable hours including some weekends
- Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the council
- Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative
- Demonstrates a commitment to welcoming all audiences including individuals and communities who are less-well engaged
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Skills Required
- Able to research and write reports
Knowledge Required
- Of working in a local government setting and the council’s key ambitions and strategic plans
Experience Required
- Of working with the voluntary sector
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
- Demonstrates an understanding and awareness of working in a political environment
