We are looking for someone to run creative sessions for our group, Let’s Create, which is for women who are struggling with their mental health.
Job Title Let’s Create Lead Artist
Reports to Head of Programmes
Location WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh
Contracted Hours 4 hours a week, Tuesdays 9.30am – 1.30pm (40 sessions over a year)
Contract Freelance
Hourly Rate £35 per hour
The sessions consist of a creative activity followed by a shared meal with the group.
Main Duties
The lead artist will work with group members to co-design creative activities which suit the interests and goals of group members.
The group enjoy exploring a variety of mediums and techniques so the lead artist will need to be able to facilitate a variety of creative sessions.
At WHALE Arts, we are trying to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible, so sessions must be designed with that in mind.
Let’s Create aims to build the confidence, self-esteem and self-worth of the participants, and reduce social isolation. The Lead Artist will need to work with the group and Head of Programmes to design opportunities to support this development. We imagine this will include visits to other organisations as well as places of interest and relevance.
The session concludes with a shared meal. This is usually soup made by a WHALE Arts chef which is heated up and served by the lead Artist. This shared meal gives the group a chance to talk and reflect.
The session is 3 hours, the fourth hour is allocated to 30 minutes setting up and 30 minutes pack away of the session. This includes arranging tables and chairs, gathering materials needed for the session, getting refreshment laid out and setting up equipment to heat up soup.
Summary of Main Duties:
- Plan and deliver weekly creative sessions to fit with the needs of the group.
- Plan and deliver visits with the Head of Programmes Lead to fit with the needs of the group and budget restrictions.
- Look after the Let’s Create materials. This includes keeping the cupboard organised and liaising with Arts and Wellbeing Programme Manager when new, or replacement materials are required.
- Heat up and serve soup to the group. Food Hygiene and Safety training will be provided by WHALE Arts.
- Set up, and tidy away for each session. This includes moving tables and ensuring the space is clean a tidy upon exit.
- Collecting evaluation and any feedback during sessions. This includes taking photographs as well as prompting and documenting any evaluation or feedback.
- Attending regular supervision meetings with line manager.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may, from time-to-time, be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Person Specification
We are seeking an experienced creative practitioner to lead Let’s Create sessions.
We are looking for someone who…
- Can considerately support people’s creative development.
- Understands the issues and challenges facing people who struggle with their mental health.
- Is calm and understanding. Is confident at resolving conflicts and dealing with challenging behaviour.
- Understands how to set and preserve boundaries.
- Is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Is well-organised, is self-motivated, and able to use their own initiative.
- Has excellent communication skills and can interact with and support individuals from a range of backgrounds.
- Understands the issues facing people living in areas of deprivation.
Essentials…
- Experience in leading a creative groups.
- Experience with people who are struggling with their mental health and knowledge of the challenges they face.
- Creative knowledge; has the ability to facilitate a variety of creative sessions that explore different creative mediums and techniques.
Ideally but not essentially, you may have…
- Food hygiene certification.
Formal qualification in the creative and/or therapeutic field.
How to apply
To apply, please fill in the application form by clicking the link below. The link goes to a secure Microsoft Office Form.
If you require the form in another format, such as printed or to have the ability to apply using audio/video recordings, please get in touch.
Please also fill out our Equal Opportunities form and email it to kat@whalearts.co.uk
This form will not be used in the recruitment process, it is just used to evaluate our marketing reach.
The deadline for the application form is no later than 9am on Tuesday 14th October.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the role subject to confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership.
If you have any questions or would just like an informal chat about the role, please get in touch with us.
Contact Name: Kat Prior
Role: Head of Programmes
Email: kat@whalearts.co.uk
Phone: 0131 458 3267 – ask for Kat Prior
