Description
We are seeking a freelance festival director to oversee the development and delivery of a youth arts festival in Burnley in July 2025. The festival will consist of exhibitions, events and installations created by young people and inspired by the theme of 'Happy Place'. Fee: £7680 (32 days @ £240)
On behalf of Burnley's Cultural Education Partnership we looking for a freelance festival director or organisation who can work with multiple partners to co-ordinate activity and produce a youth arts festival.
The role will include:
- Organising and facilitating regular festival planning meetings
- Encouraging and nurturing partnership development within the LCEP
- Supporting the development of partnership agreements where necessary and contracting freelancers and organisations
- Creating a good safeguarding culture throughout the project and ensuring that Blaze's policies are abided to
- Commissioning and supporting at least two artists to co-create new work for the festival with young people in Burnley
- Managing the festival budget and adapting plans if new funding is secured
- Providing regular progress reports to LCEP partners and Blaze trustees
- Working with partners and local young people to produce the programme
- Leading on the development of all branding, marketing, communications and PR
- Taking responsibility for evaluation and monitoring of the project and festival.
- Ensuring that the festival is well documented online
- Any other tasks and responsibilities as required to ensure the successful delivery of the objectives.
The post will be hosted by Blaze Arts. You are expected to work around 32 days across the project and to plan this time according to demand and activity. You will have to work some evenings and weekends. Whilst some work can be completed remotely you will have to regularly attend meetings and workshops in Burnley. You will have access to workspace in Burnley and you will be provided with a phone to use on the project.
Skills and Experience
We are looking for an individual or an organisation with:
- Strong project management skills
- The ability to work independently and manage their time effectively
- Experience of partnership development
- Experience of programme management, producing a festival or complex project with multiple partners and elements
- Experience of working with young people outside of formal education
- Experience of co-creation with communities
- Experience of commissioning artists
Essential Requirements
- Public liability insurance
- Enhanced DBS check for working with children dated within 2 years
- Registered as self-employed (if applying as an individual)
- Ability to travel into and around Burnley as required
How to Express your Interest
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining:
- Why you are interested in the role
- Your relevant skills and experience
Expressions of interest should be sent to: [email protected]
We will accept your expression of interest in written, audio or video format.