Project co-ordinator sought to develop pilot Artist in the Community Scheme Artist Mentor Panel project

Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts, is seeking a project coordination service provider to develop the pilot Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme Artist Mentor Panel project. The AIC Scheme enables artists and communities of place and/or interest to work together on projects and is managed by Create on a devolved basis for the Arts Council. 

Background
In 2017, Create began a period of research and policy development within the AIC Scheme, in response to changing demographics and the fragile living and working conditions of many displaced artists. The primary aim of this work was to increase the capacity of artists and communities from minority ethnic and migrant backgrounds to access the scheme and participate more actively in the arts and cultural landscape.

The AIC Scheme has offered enhanced opportunities for migrant and minority ethnic artists working in collaborative arts – including an Artist Residency Awards, a School in Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice and a Bursary Award in Collaborative Arts and Cultural Diversity.

There have been significant increases in interest and applications from artists from a minority ethnic or migrant background. A rich ecology has emerged where beneficiaries, artists and communities, reconvene to develop and initiate new projects and collaborations. Our research Creating a Welcoming Environment, Stimulating Diverse Art (Evgeny Shtorn, 2020) looked at the state of affairs for migrant and minority ethnic artists.

In 2021, Create will plan to pilot an Artist Mentor Panel. The panel will offer capacity building, training, research, and evaluation skills for collaborative socially engaged artists and panellists. Artist mentors will be available to emerging practitioners and artists from minority ethnic and migrant backgrounds as well as to other artists as they engage with the scheme.

Scope of Contract
This contracted role is for a period of nine months. Create reserves the right to extend the contract further, for up to a total period of 12 months, subject to agreement with the contractor.

The role is multifaceted and applicants are expected to demonstrate skills in project management and implementation, a knowledge of learning and mentoring, and an understanding of collaborative and socially engaged artists and the challenges of collaborative arts practice.

Budget Provision
Create has set a budget of up to €20,000 (inclusive of expenses and VAT). Applicants are advised to take this into account and not to exceed this amount in preparing their proposal.

A limited amount of additional exceptional expense, such as travel and accommodation, for specified work if required may be invoiced, subject to agreement in advance.

Timeframe
Closing date for applications: 22 June 2021.
Interviews, if required, to be held remotely on 7 July 2021.
Create’s decision will be communicated to all applicants by 12 July 2021.
The selected candidate should be available to commence immediately.

For information on services required and how to apply visit
https://www.create-ireland.ie/project-coordination-contract/