Volunteer Artistic Assistant- Work for us
Description Role: Volunteer Artistic Assistant
Reporting to: Artistic Director
Estimated Hours: 1 day per week (5 hours) or as per agreed, over 3-4 months
Introduction: Sunshine International Arts (SiA) (https://www.sunshineiarts.co.uk) is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our small and busy team as Volunteer Artistic Assistant. The candidate is expected to work at least 1 day per week, ideally giving a minimum commitment of 3 – 4 months to cover the busy summer period over the carnival season. This is a flexible role and we will do our best to suit the candidates availability and preferences.
Main duties will involve supporting SiA’s artistic output on a day to day basis and assisting the Artistic Director and Company Artist in the production of SiA’s costumes and props.
- Artistic Assistance:
Under the supervision of the Artistic Director:
- Assisting with ongoing production in SiA’s rolling projects, including making prototypes, testing costumes on performers, producing costume / prop elements. Learning how to work with both new materials like plazterzote foam, fibreglass and wire, as well as dress making / sewing skills, and pattern cutting.
- Assist in day to day tasks in the studio, assisting the Company Artist.
- Assist with project research and development, sourcing imagery, text, information on project topics.
- To work with the Artistic Director and the Company Artist in developing costumes and props based on performer use.
- Any other ad hoc duties requested by the company.
- Studio and Technical Assistance:
Under the supervision of the Artistic Director:
- To assist in the creative processes used in delivering costumes, masks, and props including creating moulds and templates.
- To assist in the transportation of costumes and props to and from events and outdoor performances.
- To assist in the preparation for projects and in the clear down / de-rig following large projects.
- To assist the Artistic Director in preparing for workshops / events and in the delivery of workshops / events on the day.
- To assist SiA’s Administrator and Centre Manager on site at events / performances.
- Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will possess:
- An interest to learn about design / creative design / set building / costume design
- Good accuracy and attention to detail
- The willingness to work as part of a team and also able to work independently and use own initiative
- Enthusiasm for carnival arts, creative projects and/or public arts events
- An interest in working with and engaging with people of all ages and from diverse communities in arts activities
- Flexibility and adaptability – able to lend a hand with general tasks as and when required and follow orders
- A good sense of humour
What’s in it for you:
- Gain experience both in an arts studio creating costumes and in managing carnival arts events and workshops.
- A professional reference to support your CV
- The opportunity to build on existing skills and to develop new ones, working alongside highly skilled artists.
- A varied, interesting and rewarding role.
- A chance to make a difference in the local community.
- A way of meeting new people.
- The chance to contribute to Notting Hill Carnival, the biggest street festival in Europe
- We pay basic travel expenses and provide a hot meal.
Why we want you:
- Introducing the tradition and skills of carnival to a new generation
- Building a legacy within our artform and inspiring young people to become carnival artists
- Increasing the number of local young people engaging with the arts
- Diversifying our in-house team
Sunshine International Arts is an equal opportunities employer, who is actively seeking to employ and work with people currently under-represented in the creative and cultural sector. This includes young people, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
To register your interest or to come to an induction day over 24, 26 28th March please contact: admin@sunshineiarts.co.uk