RECRUITMENT PACKCREATIVE PRODUCERNOVEMBER 2020

LONDONINTERNATIONAL

FESTIVAL OFTHEATRE

ABOUT LIFTLIFT is London’s international biennial festival of theatre. LIFT stands for radical empowerment and inclusion. We promote the power and urgency of international perspectives, understanding that difference makes us stronger. LIFT is where artists and audiences meet for necessary conversations and essential cultural experiences. The theatre we offer audiences is compelling, meaningful, provocative, excellent, topical, singular. We advance contemporary thought, introduce new forms and ideas and offer new ways of experiencing art.

Every two years, LIFT presents a festival full of daring and relevant culture, international perspectives and unforgettable theatre. Whether it’s a much-loved venue, iconic landmark or unsung corner of London, LIFT gathers Londoners around incredible art. We want our audiences to feel more London and more global every time they encounter LIFT.

LIFT creates contexts where artists make transformative culture happen, as a commissioner, presenter and connector. LIFT is the essential link between leading international artists and London and the UK. We connect British makers abroad. We offer essential supports that give UK artists working abroad momentum and connections; the partnerships we create advance artists and their projects.

Our reach and impact are local, national and international, we co-commission and tour projects in with an array of UK and global partners. We engage and create communities around ideas and projects connecting leading artists to locals and together we make incredible art happen. We celebrate London as a place where the local and international meet.

We do it full of ambition, joy, thoughtfulness. Our team is skilled, productive, connected and ambitious. LIFT loves London. A charity limited by guarantee and based in Toynbee Studios in East London, LIFT is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation with a biennial turnover in the region of £2 million.

“LIFT continually push artistic boundaries, embrace risk and is inspired by the creatively impossible...”Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Greater London Authority

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIFT?A word from Artistic Director/CEO Kris Nelson

Our 2020 festival edition was a pivot point for us, the first of a new vision for LIFT. We programmed artists who were meeting challenges posed by the rise of populism and xenophobia. It was to be the first LIFT post-Brexit, and our stand for internationalism. Artists were bringing us ground breaking theatre wrestling with the headlines; from an Obie-winning play about patriotism and whistleblowing to an architectural installation in front of St Paul’s Cathedral inviting passers-by to talk about race, belonging and hospitality or The Second Woman starring Ruth Wilson, a monumental 24-hour long theatre exploration of gender politics featuring 100 local men at the Young Vic. It was a festival rich in ideas and experiences that were wrestling with the headlines and made by some of the world’s most compelling artists.

We are doubling down on this mission. In 2021 and 2022, LIFT will be busy commissioning, creating and presenting trailblazing international performance ready to meet our times. We’ll bring about bold festival and public programming, we’ll devise a new artist advancement scheme and we’ll create new opportunities for artists to create and how audiences can access international theatre in the time of the pandemic. And we’ll have our 40th anniversary.

The Creative Producer will play a pivotal role in this, working with myself and the LIFT team to develop, consolidate and deliver this ambitious artistic programme.

Our community engagement programme is also growing and maturing with the times. LIFT Tottenham has been our long term co-creation project between Tottenham locals, selected Tottenham based school age young people, international artists and LIFT co-creating festival productions and bringing the international local. At the heart of this has been a six-year collaboration with a cohort of young people through their secondary school cycle, they have gone from low cultural engagement to active participants to co-creators - exciting young people who want to become agents of change – for themselves and for their community. During the next two years, UpLIFTers will connect with and inspire other young co-creators, activists, makers and leaders in other venues and arts organisations across London.

Starting in 2021, LIFT will launch a new artist advancement strand. This series of schemes will focus on creating opportunities for UK artists and their international counterparts to pioneer new ways of international collaboration and connection, give artists space in curatorial and programming decisions and respond directly to the challenges posed by the pandemic and the inequalities our sector needs to address as we build the cultural recovery.

With our devotion to internationalism and love of giving audiences unparalleled artistic experiences, LIFT plays a vital part in the UK’s cultural ecology. We work with globally significant theatre makers whose work can influence and shape UK theatre practice and we introduce audiences, many of them new to the arts, to different cultures and forms of expression. Our mission is to remain open, inclusive and internationally focused. LIFT will continue to provide a leading range of cultural opportunities and experiences for artists, young people, audiences and participants.

We’re calling out for a Creative Producer who’s excited by this vision and who wants to take us to these next steps. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

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CREATIVE PRODUCERJob title: Creative Producer Reports to: Artistic Director/CEOResponsible for: Assistant Producer (Young People) and temporary teamsWorking relationships: Artists, Creative Teams, Co-Producers, Venues, Artistic Director/CEO, Executive Director, Production Manager, Head of Finance & Operations, Head of Communications & Audiences, Head of Development, Finance & Admin Manager, Pop-Up Festival Team, Festival Internships

Salary: £36,000 per annumHours: Full-time assuming a minimum of 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekendsContract: Fixed term ending December 2022 (with possibility of extension)Location: London - LIFT HQ is based at Toynbee Studios but the team are currently working remotely in line with Covid-19 restrictions

Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 15 December 2020Shortlisted candidates notified: by 18 December 2020First round interview: Thursday 7 January 2021Anticipated start date: January/February 2021

THE OPPORTUNITYThis is an opportunity to be a core part of the artistic and producing team at the heart of LIFT’s small dynamic squad, always aiming to be flexible, resilient and pro-active together.

The Creative Producer will lead on the planning, delivery and evaluation of LIFT’s international productions, some of which are large scale, site specific, original commissions with socially engaged practice at their heart. As Creative Producer you will elevate LIFT’s production model to match LIFT’s new artistic vision of commissioning, artist advancement, presentation and more to reach new and existing audiences across London and online. Over the next two years, LIFT aims to pioneer new ways of commissioning and presenting international artists and strengthen international ties and opportunities for artists here in the UK.

The Creative Producer works closely with LIFT Artistic Director, Kris Nelson, developing projects for festival and off-festival years, identifying artists we need to work with and helping to build LIFT’s presenting, touring and co-producing relationships with theatres and arts organisations. The Creative Producer also supports both the Artistic Director and Executive Director to create, deliver and evaluate locally engaged work. The role reports directly to the Artistic Director but also works closely with Executive Director to negotiate contracts and partnerships and manage risk.

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THE ASKYou will be a seasoned producer with well-developed superpowers. That means you can oversee the entire producing cycle – from beginning to end – while maintaining a calm and can-do attitude, and delivering projects with ambition and confidence. You will have experience of managing productions and community projects, and you will bring all you have learnt from your practice to support LIFT’s executive team and help drive artistic excellence, artists’ development and socially engaged community work.

You’re a fountain of creative knowledge and want to share in the ideas about the artists and kinds of work LIFT should be supporting and pursuing. Your practice of working with artists enables them to realise unconventional ideas from start to finish and you know how to join and support the artistic process. You care about how artists progress and can devise programmes that connect, upskill, resource and revitalise artists and their practices.

You have an interest and experience in international theatre, be it through presentation, touring, networks, adaptation or simply knowing how international trends and practices influence your own work.

You are a pro when it comes to scheduling and creating responsible timelines and also keeping colleagues and leadership updated on a regular basis. Additionally, you’re a team player who thrives on collaboration and ideas but isn’t afraid of budgets and finance. You understand creative producing is underpinned by securing and managing key partnerships and funding, and you have the knowhow to identify and consolidate these opportunities on your own and with the team.

You’re part of a network that includes artists, companies, venues, partners both here and abroad. You’re either a cross-pollinator and work in theatre and/or at least one of live art, visual art, music, installation or publicly engaged art, or you’re excited by how working at LIFT can give you more multi-disciplinary experience.

Your goal will be to ensure processes are in place so that industry-leading, visionary, meaningful theatre is produced efficiently, on time, within budget and in conditions where artists excel and audiences enjoy.

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift quickly. You can manage multiple projects; love working directly with artists, arts companies and partner teams. You can comfortably communicate clearly and objectively and bring others on board to the excitement of LIFT and LIFT projects.

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JOB DESCRIPTIONSTRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION• Provide day to day management of the producing function – supporting the Artistic Director/CEO and Executive Director, in ensuring that all productions and events are produced and presented to high production values

• Manage relationships with co-producers, work with the Executive Director on negotiations of contracts with companies, venues and commissions

• Oversee the timelining and scheduling functions for public programming and festival productions, work with LIFT team on long-term project and organisational planning

• Develop relationships with artists, arts organisations and LIFT’s wider stakeholders including community groups, public sector organisations, presenting and touring partners

• Conduct programming and curatorial research, researching artists, projects and schemes which can benefit LIFT’s programming and artist advancement

• Be a champion of LIFT, promote the ethos and vision of LIFT and impart that so they are shared by the artists, venues, partners and other teams with whom we work

PRODUCTIONS• Lead on the planning, delivery and evaluation of LIFT events and productions in consultation with the Artistic Director and Production Manager including overseeing project timelines and budgets

• Work within and improve LIFT’s production appraisal system including greenlighting process and fortnightly programming and finance meetings, ensuring progress is tracked and communicated across the team

• Work with the Head of Finance & Operations on visa applications and travel requirements

• Develop, manage and report on commission/project budgets in consultation with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, Production Manager and Head of Finance & Operations using the LIFT’s budget template and systems

• Work within the Festival’s agreed finance and accountancy procedures as set out by Executive Director and Head of Finance & Operations. This will include the speedy and accurate updating of budget projections and cashflows, together with the provision of other financial information as required

• Ensure all licensing, risk assessments, insurance, checks, policies and processes are in place for each production with support from Executive Director and Production Manager

• Manage and share information about each production between artists, LIFT teams, and external consultants, especially coordinating copy, images, press releases, ticketing requirements; the creation of trailers or live streams or audience monitoring content between parties

• Prepare financial and evaluation reports for Board and/or funders when required

ARTIST ADVANCEMENT• Design and implement artist advancement programme with the Artistic Director and devise links between artist advancement programme and public-facing programme and festivals

• Oversee budget, timeline and contracting functions for artist advancement programmes

• Develop and secure necessary partnerships to support the scheme including selecting and contracting participants with the Artistic Director

LOCALLY ENGAGED WORK• Work with Executive Director and Artistic Director on the delivery of LIFT’s locally engaged and youth based projects through commissions, partnerships activity and events

• Oversee LIFT’s locally engaged work, managing key projects and relationships delivered by Assistant Producer

• Work with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to develop and deliver an evaluation strategy for LIFT’s work in Tottenham and future projects across London

• Work with Executive Director, Head of Development and Assistant Producer to build partnerships and seek funding to deliver LIFT’s locally engaged strategy

• Manage relationship with Tottenham Community Board through 2021 and 2022 and oversee transition projects

SAFEGUARDING• With Executive Director and Head of Finance & Operations, develop and regularly review LIFT’s Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults policy and other policies related to production and presentation and undertake regular training to ensure that LIFT’s safeguarding policies are in line with current policy

• Ensure all projects delivered by LIFT are designed and delivered in line with LIFT’s Safeguarding Policy

FUNDRAISING• Research, identify and apply for appropriate funding sources for projects and programming in consultation with Artistic Director, Executive Director and Head of Development

• Secure and manage partnerships with entities such as venues, local authorities, festivals and others with Executive Director and Artistic Director

• Support LIFT’s fundraising functions by developing project outlines and budgets, submitting applications, and over seeing production aspects of funding agreements and timelines

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION• Line manage LIFT’s Assistant Producer, freelancers and Producing Placements

• Undertake project administration and logistics, and all personal administration

• Undertake speaking engagements when required

Plus any other responsibilities as reasonably required

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PERSON SPECIFICATIONYou will be a dynamic individual with a passion for festivals, culture and international art forms. You have 5+ years’ experience of producing, planning, programming and delivering large scale cultural and public events, preferably within an international context.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

EXPERIENCE• At least 5 years’ professional experience of producing large scale events across a wide range of sites and venues

• Knowledge, understanding and experience of working closely with multiple artists (and their teams) working across a range of art forms and across different scales of work

• A demonstrable track record in successfully steering complex projects from start to completion

• Experience of developing and working on commissions and co-productions with multiple partners

• Ability to establish strong partnership working relationships and use a wide range of networks

• Experience of significant budget management

• Experience in collaborative working, line management and leadership of small teams

ABILITY/COMPETENCES• Experience working with artists on projects from concept to delivery, demonstrated understanding and love of the

creative process

• Strong commitment to quality and excellence with an excellent eye for detail

• Capacity to maintain a clear overview across a range of complex projects

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written, verbal, presentations, negotiation, leadership)

• Reliable, trustworthy, approachable and able to relate well to a range of individuals and organisations

• Strong IT/computer literacy skills

• A valid passport and willingness to travel (10-20 days/year nationally and internationally in non-pandemic restricted conditions)

• Passionate and knowledgeable about international performing arts

DESIRABLE CRITERIA• Experience of production budget management over £100k

• Programming or curatorial experience

• Experience leading, creating or managing artist development or artist advancement programmes

• Some experience of successful income generation through a wide range of sources including box office, trusts and foundations and sponsors

• Experience of working on international projects (touring, residencies, presentation, commission)

• Have a full driving licence and access to a car

• Knowledge of artistic contexts outside of the UK

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TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT SALARY£36,000 per annum

ANNUAL LEAVE25 days paid holiday, plus British public holidays and bank holidays (currently 8 per year)

PENSIONFollowing completion of the probation period, LIFT offers a Workplace Pension Plan operated by Royal London, whereby we match employee contributions up to an agreed limit

WORKING HOURSThis is a full-time post, assuming a minimum of 37.5 hours per week. Standard LIFT office hours are 10am - 6pm, Monday - Friday. With this as a baseline, we are open to discussing flexible working options including reduced or compressed hours, remote working and flexible start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role and our sector, some evening and weekend work will be required

PROBATION PERIODThree months, during which either party may terminate the contract with two weeks’ notice. Notice period is three months following the successful completion of the probation period

BASEThe post is based at LIFT’s office at Toynbee Studios, London but the team are currently working remotely in line with Covid-19 restrictions

HOW TO APPLY To apply for the post, please send:

• an up-to-date CV• a cover letter outlining in no more than two pages how you meet the person specification• a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form• contact details for two references (we will seek your permission before making direct contact with any referees) ...to recruitment@liftfestival.com with ‘Creative Producer’ in the subject line.

Timeline RemindersApplication deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 15 December 2020Shortlisted candidates notified: by 18 December 2020First round interview: Thursday 7 January 2021Anticipated start date: January/February 2021

If you would like to have an informal, confidential conversation about the role, please contact Kris Nelson at kris@liftfestival.com.

LIFT is committed to be a truly inclusive organisation - from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. Currently 50% of our staff team are Black, 50% are LGBTQIA+ and 33% identify as disabled. 71% of the artists we paid in 2020 identified as Black, Asian or ethnically diverse.

We are actively engaged in inclusion, diversity, intersectionality, and anti-racism planning. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, attracting the diverse pool of talent and experience we want to see in our organisation, on our Board, in our work and across the cultural and creative sector.

We strive to treat all job applications equally, regardless of class, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexuality, or any other equality characteristic.

During recruitment, the selection panel will be shortlisting based on what qualities, skills and experience you may bring to the role. We will support any access requirements you may have during the recruitment process and ensure that reasonable adjustments are in place as required by the Single Equalities Act 2010.

liftfestival.com@liftfestival

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