South West

Recruitment of Remix West Artistic Director

About The Remix and Activate Performing Arts

Activate, the Dance and Theatre Development Agency for Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole (www.activateperformingarts.org.uk) is seeking to recruit an Artistic Director of a new ‘branch’ of its integrated youth performance project The Remix, called The Remix West in Dorchester, West Dorset.   The Remix is an exceptional youth performance group for young people age 11-19 which was initially set up in 2007 in Bournemouth and Poole and is managed by Activate. Since 2007 interest in the project has grown and building upon the success of The Remix in Bournemouth and Poole, Activate is setting up an additional group called Remix West which will be based in Dorchester. The Remix West members are young people with physical and sensory impairments, learning disabilities and non-disabled young people. Activate is looking for an exceptional artist committed to inclusive practice to plan and lead performing arts workshops with young people who are disabled and non disabled young people. The Artistic Director will be assisted by a minimum of 3 qualified care assistants who will be responsible for the personal care and support needs of Remix West members.  

To initiate this new integrated youth group and promote the opportunity to the local young people 3 pilot residencies have been organised. Claire Hodgson from DiverseCity and Natalie Roberts led a first residency in August 2010 and the second one took place in October 2011 with artists from Cirque Bijou. We are now planning a third residency at the end of August 2012 led by Claire Hodgson assisted by sound artist Mandeep Kallu.

 

The Remix West will meet twice per month for weekend rehearsals and for 3 - 5 day residencies within February half term, Easter holidays, summer holidays and October half term. The sessions will run from 10am-3pm and are part of the counties provision of Short Breaks for children who are disabled.   Professional guest artists are invited to work with The Remix on specific projects in the school holiday residencies. In the past The Remix has worked with a number of high profile guest artists including but not limited to; CandoCo, David Toole, Freddie Opoku-Addaie, StopGap, Cirque Bijou, State of Emergency Dance Company and Graeae Theatre Company. Activate seek local and national performance opportunities for The Remix to promote the group and to showcase the integrated work taking place in the county. This is a valuable creative development opportunity for members and enables them to develop performance skills and confidence. In 2012, The Remix based in Bournemouth and Poole will perform as part of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games celebration in Weymouth on the 28th July in a show called “Breathe” alongside Double Act disability theatre company and APAE dance company from Brazil. We hope that members of The Remix West will also have the opportunity to showcase their work.   Partners of The Remix include the local authority, schools in Dorset, Bournemouth, and Poole wave and DepARTure Arts Education agencies.   The Remix is currently funded by Dorset County Council and Bournemouth Borough Council Short Breaks Programme, Children in Need and through voluntary contributions from participants. Other funders have included Awards for All, wave Arts Education agency, Sportivate, DepARTUre and the Cultural Hub. Over the next 3 years Activate is committed to moving to a model which utilises Direct Payments to help fund The Remix (http://www.dorsetforyou.com/3062).

 

Job Description:

 

• Facilitate regular meetings with The Remix West working creatively with the young people, partners and visiting artists.
• To create, rehearse and direct new work in both dance and theatre to be performed at platform events and local or regional schools.
• To plan workshops and schemes of work on a termly basis
• To assist in the delivery of workshops and residencies with visiting artists/companies, including rehearsals
• To identify further areas of development, guest artists and opportunities for the group to perform.
• To be a role model for the young people and work with them to stretch their abilities to new levels, increasing confidence, skills and talents.
• Liaise with Activate through the project manager and with other freelance staff that may be required for the company.
• Attend partnership or steering group meetings when necessary.
• Assist the project coordinator and project manager in any ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

 

Person Specification and knowledge

 

Essential 

• A qualification in Performing arts (degree or similar)
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of teaching performing arts in a community and/or education setting
• Experience of teaching/leading inclusive arts activities working with vulnerable young people and young people who are disabled
• Awareness of promotion and working towards public performances
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience and empathy with young people
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• Good time management, organisational and planning skills
• Ability to work to deadlines and achieve agreed targets
• Public Liability Insurance up to £5 million
• Hold a current enhanced CRB check

 

Desirable:

• A qualification for teaching or leading arts activities for people who are disabled
• An understanding of the education sector
• Understanding of the principles of First Aid
• A valid driving license and access to own transport

 

 

Timetable
Contract to begin in with a first meeting  and the delivery of one session September, thereafter 7 monthly sessions and 2 further residencies during October (2 days) and February half terms (3 days).

 

Duration of contract: 1st September 2012 – March 2014 (with possible extension until March 2015 – depending on Funding)

 

Fee

The artist the fee is £2,400, all inclusive (VAT and expenses) at a rate of £200 per day from September 2012 – March 2013 for a total of 12 sessions (format to be agreed with the artist) and £800 for 4 planning days at £200 per day. 

 

The hirer agrees to pay the artist the fee of £2,800, all inclusive (VAT and expenses) at a rate of £200 per day from April 2013 – March 2014 for a total of 14 sessions (format to be agreed with artist) and £600 for 3 planning days at £200 per day. 

 

From April 2014 to March 2015 the fee is likely to be the same as above 2013 – 2014 but subject to funding from Bournemouth Borough Council (or in the event of other funding e.g. Children in Need)

 

Legal

The Artist is responsible for their own tax and national insurance.

 

Advanced CRB

The Artist will have an up to date enhanced CRB in line with Activate’s Safeguarding Policy.

 

Activate is core funded by Arts Council England, Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, and Borough of Poole.

 

Activate exists to initiate, develop and sustain a range of dance and theatre opportunities for the people of Dorset and the South West. The artist is at the centre of everything that the organisation does.

 

Activate is committed to: innovation and creativity; life long learning; access; equal opportunities; quality and diversity.

 

For more details about Activate: www.activateperformingarts.org.uk

 

 

 

To Apply

 

Please submit the following information by email or post:

 

• your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;
• a letter of application setting out why you wish to put yourself forwards for this position, relevant skills and experience and refer to the person specification;
• the names and addresses of two referees.

 

 

Email: info@activateperformingarts.org.uk

Post: The Remix, Activate Performing Arts, 7-9 The Little Keep, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1SQ.

 

Key dates:

 

• Deadline for applications is 14th August 2012 at 5pm
• Interviews for the post will be held on the 30th and 31st August 2012
• Shortlisted Candidates will be invited to lead a workshop for The Remix West 2012 residency in Dorchester on the 30th August 2012 as part of the interview process.