ATLAS ARTS

Producer

APPLICATION PACK

SEPTEMBER 2019

PRODUCER/CURATOR JOB DESCRIPTION 1. History

ATLAS Arts is an award winning, pioneering producer and commissioner of contemporary art that creates connections between artists and audiences and responds to the unique qualities of the Hebrides, its landscape, culture and people.

Established in 2010, ATLAS Arts, in its short history, has developed a distinct curatorial practice and identity making it part of the next generation of arts organisations. Imagined and created this century, it has become a key player in the ecology of arts organisations’ working in Scotland.

ATLAS showcases a wide range of high quality of artistic talent in its remote rural setting of the Isle of Skye through commissions, research projects, film screenings, site specific events, exhibitions, installations, performances, partnerships and creative learning programmes. ATLAS has grown from the curatorial endeavour of founding director Emma Nicolson (now Head of Exhibitions at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh), to become an organisation recognised for the high quality of its work and the surprising ways in which it has engaged audiences. From November 2019, it will be led by Ainslie Roddick, who will take up the role of Artistic Director/CEO, formerly Curator at CCA Glasgow. 2. Mission: Art, People, Place ATLAS is grounded in its context of the Isle of Skye and the West Coast of Scotland. ATLAS celebrates and explores the specificity of place within a local, national and international context and opens up the potential for artists to make extraordinary ideas happen in unusual and unexpected places, inspiring audiences and participants to explore new horizons. The organisation works to present a unique, socially active and engaging programme in which social practice, learning, artistic production and talent development are integrated to provide a high- quality experience. ATLAS’s work is often referenced and cited by others as a benchmark for best practice in terms of place driven, socially engaged practice. 3. Vision & Values Vision ATLAS Arts’ vision is to be an internationally recognised entrepreneurial producer of contemporary art, a model for fostering artistic excellence and future communities of engagement. Its work will champion the value and relevance of their location for the 21st century, be at the forefront of global conversations about art, place and culture across multiple platforms. ATLAS Arts will be acknowledged for their civic role, their connections with adjacent sectors of all kinds, and a as a key contributor to the social, cultural and economic well-being of their Island home. Values The vision of ATLAS Arts is upheld by the following values used to inform their decision making, their culture and their work: Courage – Their bold programming inspires audiences and artists; they present contemporary art

that demonstrates rigour and integrity of practice. They nurture trust, working closely with artists to develop bespoke projects that allow for risk taking, rigour and integrity of practice. They are daring, participatory and open to new ideas; they aspire to lead social change and provide moments of joy and inspiration.

Excellence - As an organisation, ATLAS Arts promotes excellence; quality and cutting- edge practice in all aspects of their work while furthering their ambition to play a leading role in the development of arts regionally, and nationally. They strive to present work of global standing, whilst remaining sensitive to the local context. They share world renowned artwork and artists with the communities in which they exist whilst also bringing people to these communities. Integrity – As a team, ATLAS Arts work to ensure consistent professionalism that is true to their vision. They strive to be relevant and ethical, whilst also taking risks and pushing themselves to create transformative experiences for both the communities they exist in and the artists with which they work. Being connected to the community while going beyond the locality is central to their ethos. 4. The Role Job Title: Producer

Reporting to: Artistic Director/CEO

Salary: £24-27k

Location: Portree, Isle of Skye (relocation allowance negotiable) Contract type: Full time, permanent. Probationary period: Three months

Notice: Notice period of 3 months is required by either party Pension: Auto enrolment onto Nest pension scheme at 3% Annual Leave: 25 + statutory public holidays 5. What we are looking for

ATLAS Arts is looking to recruit an experienced creative Producer to plan, produce and deliver ATLAS Arts artistic programme in close cooperation with the Artistic Director/CEO. The ideal candidate will have a meticulous and ambitious work ethic and will have at least 3 years’ experience producing within the context of curatorial practice and/or visual culture. They will have a keen interest in the impact that contemporary art can make to the community of Skye and Lochalsh and will be passionate about creating connections between artists and audiences, and their work will respond to the unique qualities of the region, its landscape, its culture and its people. They will be responsible for the delivery and development of innovative artists’ work and will have a hand in imaging, curating and implementing ambitious site-specific projects of ambition and scale.

The Producer will work closely with the Artistic Director/ CEO – and, once in post the new Executive Director - to seek out and nurture partnerships locally, nationally and internationally, and in the delivery of a contemporary art programme that is fundamentally collaborative. 6. Responsibilities Development and delivery of programme:

• Research ideas, artworks, artists, venues and partners for projects and exhibitions, with a focus on new artists’ commissions, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and in line with the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Build a network of artists, experts, venues and organisations (cultural, academic, community), working towards collaborative projects and programmes.

• Seek out and respond creatively to appropriate calls, competitions, and strategic funding opportunities.

• Undertake research trips in the UK and abroad when relevant to the programme. Management and delivery of programme:

• Develop and deliver exhibitions and other programmes to the highest possible standard, working closely with colleagues and freelancers.

• Oversee programme logistics from initial project development to installation and final debrief.

• Be responsible for monitoring budgets and bringing projects in on budget. • Manage volunteers, interns and assistants to deliver the programme.

Communications and audience development:

• Promote the artistic programme at local, national and international levels. • Raise awareness of ATLAS Arts within the local community and beyond, across the Scottish

and UK visual arts sector. • Devise and deliver specific public engagement programmes, where appropriate, to manage

additional freelance support. • Represent the organisation externally, including through public talks, as needed. • Provide texts and other written and visual material, and contribute to maintaining ATLAS

Arts website, blogs and social media. • Respond to enquiries about the artistic programme from the public and professionals.

Fundraising and reporting:

• Work closely with the Artistic Director/CEO to develop a fundraising strategy for the artistic programme, and help to research and approach potential funders.

• Act as an advocate for the organisation and participate during fundraising events. • Prepare funding proposals, liaise with funders, and produce reports.

Any other reasonable responsibilities delegated by the Artistic Director.

7. Person Specification Person Specification Essential

• At least 3 years working as a Producer in a similar organisation. • Proven track record of planning and delivering cultural events. • Meticulous budget management. • Excellent research and project management skills. • A team player with a positive, flexible and constructive work ethic. • Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience • Immersed in contemporary visual art and culture. • Highly articulate and a charismatic communicator. • Comprehensive computer literacy • Proficiency in written and verbal communications • A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail • Able to multi-task, work calmly under pressure and meet tight deadlines consistently. • Proven ability to work independently with only general direction and minimal supervision. • Excellent interpersonal and team working skills and ability to lead. • Ability to think creatively, independently and problem solve.

Desirable

• Gaelic language or interest in learning. 8. How to Apply To discuss this role and for further information, please contact caroline@atlasarts.org.uk. In making an application please submit a covering letter and your CV, expressing your interest in this post and providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the job description. The deadline for applications is Monday 14th October 2019 at 12 NOON. Interviews will be held towards the end of October 2019, date to be confirmed. Candidates will be informed if they have been called for an interview by 5pm on Friday 18th October 2019. 9. Equalities and Diversity Monitoring Form Please complete and return the accompanying equalities and diversity monitoring form.