This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how people experience arts and culture across Somerset. As Arts Engagement & Outreach Officer, leading on the Octagon Theatre's Talent Development & Artist Support programme, you will connect communities, artists and partners to create inspiring, inclusive programmes that bring creativity to life. Your work will help grow vibrant cultural spaces and open up access so more people can take part and feel the impact of the arts. This role supports the development and delivery of the Octagon Theatre's Arts Engagement & Outreach programme across Somerset, helping to ensure that arts and cultural opportunities are accessible, relevant, and welcoming to all. The Octagon's Arts Engagement & Outreach team works to develop the venues (Octagon Theatre and its sister venue, Westlands Entertainment Venue, in Yeovil) as cultural hubs and delivers the Arts for Health & Wellbeing, Creative Learning & Education, Talent Development & Artist Support, Participation, and Productions & Events programmes across Somerset, with schemes to improve inclusion and remove geographical, social, economic, physical and psychological barriers to access. It plays an important part in breaking down barriers to participation, enabling more people from a wide range of communities to engage with and benefit from creative activity. Working closely with the Arts Engagement & Outreach Manager, you will lead on the development, planning, facilitation, and delivery of the Talent Development & Artist Support programmes with activities at The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue and across Somerset. You will help to plan, deliver and evaluate a varied programme of activities, partnerships, and events across Somerset. This includes working with schools, young people, artists, community groups, and partner organisations to create meaningful opportunities for participation, learning and creative development. Supporting development and delivery of arts-based projects Support the planning, facilitation and delivery of Arts Engagement & Outreach activities and programmes. The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue's Arts Engagement & Outreach programme is managed and funded by Somerset Council, as such applicants should apply via Somerset Council's recruitment platform.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Working with partners and developing relationships
Experience of commissioning work and evaluating work and projects
Experience of working in an arts organisation
Experience of working with key strategic partners - Arts Council, arts funders, artists, and arts practitioners
Experience of working in a role developing and sustaining a network of community groups and individuals.
Proactive with commitment to provision of excellent customer service
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Building effective relationships
Accuracy and attention to detail
Well organised and methodical
Team worker with ability to work on own initiative.
Resourceful and flexible in approach
Problem solving and decision making
Able to perform efficiently and effectively under pressure
Arts Engagement to include supporting artists development, developing projects, fundraising, and evaluating work
Good understanding of Arts organisationsJob Responsibilities
Develop partnerships and collaborate with a rich network of artists, creatives, facilitators, practitioners, teachers, regional and national arts organisations and companies to programme enrichment opportunities as appropriate.
Lead on delivery of our Talent Development & Artist Support programme, including work experience programmes, career talks and events, community projects, masterclasses, artist mentoring, performances, and wider offer as appropriate.
Inspire, recruit and support participation, particularly among underrepresented communities.
Contribute to the development of inclusive and high-quality creative programmes and events.
Promote and communicate opportunities with a wide range of stakeholders
Develop and maintain strong relationships with community groups, partners and cultural organisations
Collaborate across teams to ensure successful delivery of events/activities.Useful Links
How to Apply
To apply upload your CV and cover letter to the Somerset Council website: https://careers.somerset.gov.uk/job/Taunton-Arts-Engagement-&-Outreach-Officer-TA1-4DY/1352629655/
Deadline: 7 June, midnight