Critical Friend, Severn Arts

Reimagine Redditch is looking for a freelance Critical Friend to support, challenge and strengthen our Creative People and Places programme.

This is an opportunity to bring an independent perspective to an ambitious cultural programme rooted in Redditch's communities.

About the role:
We are seeking a freelance consultant to work with our Programme Director on a quarterly basis until March 2029, offering insight, reflection and constructive challenge.

As Critical Friend, you will:
- Test programme ideas and approaches
- Provide independent perspective
- Support honest reflection and learning
- Help strengthen key areas including artistic ambition, co-creation, inclusion and fundraising

We're looking for someone who can:
- Ask thoughtful, challenging questions
- Offer insight from other programmes or sectors
- Critique processes and support improvement

You'll also:
- Build a trusted working relationship with the Programme Director
- Remain independent from programme delivery and governance
- Bring expertise in evaluation, partnerships and public engagement
- Support us to capture and share learning

This opportunity is suited to someone with experience of place-based arts programmes or community-led cultural work, particularly Creative People and Places or similar initiatives.

Essential experience includes:
- Supporting or coaching cultural leaders
- Working on place-based initiatives
- Co-creating arts activity with communities
- Understanding inclusive engagement practices
- Knowledge of fundraising approaches
- Alignment with our mission and values

Fee:
- £4,200 total fee (inclusive of VAT).
- Covers approximately 10 meetings between August 2026 and January 2029.
- Travel can be claimed by agreement.

Key dates:
Deadline: 9am, Tuesday 7 July 2026
Successful applicant notified: Friday 17 July 2026
Start date: from mid-August 2026