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We are looking for our next cohort to take part in the Creative Industry Placements Programme at Somerset House.
The Upgrade Yourself Creative Industry Placements programme is for people aged between 18-24 who identify as belonging to a community that is underrepresented within the cultural sector* and who are interested in learning about creative industries through an entry level role in the arts.
At Somerset House, we value talent, potential and willingness over experience. We are interested in your goals and how we can help you to achieve them. If you’re an ambitious young person looking to forge a career in the arts, this programme is designed for you!
*The Inclusive Talent Engagement team at Somerset House acknowledges that particular people are underrepresented in the British creative sector. Particularly those who are:
- Ethnically diverse and/or Global majority
- Differently abled or Living with a disability
- Working class and/or from a lower socio-economic background*
- We also acknowledge the underrepresentation of those who self-identify as:
- LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary
- Neuro-divergent
We also acknowledge that people face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, and we are open to hearing from anyone who considers themselves to be underrepresented in the creative sector.
*Some questions that might help define lower socio-economic background:
- Were you on free school meals?
- Did your parents receive income benefits for a long period?
- Did your parents go to university?
About the role
A new position within the Somerset House Studios team, this Studios Programming Placement offers an exciting development opportunity for an early-career arts programmer interested in broadening their experience of developing and delivering cross-disciplinary programmes.
The Studios Programming Placement will work closely alongside the wider team, gaining a breath of experience supporting on our year-round critical programmes, along with opportunities to develop their own programme ideas in a supported environment. The Studios Programming Placement will actively participate in regular Studios programme meetings as well as the monthly Somerset House programme meetings to gain insights into larger scale programmes and processes.
While this opportunity is primarily focused on programming, over the year-long period the Studios Programming Placement will be embedded within the Studios team and activity, offering the opportunity to gain insights into the development and delivery of residency programmes, artist development initiatives, research and development opportunities, community engagement programmes, and the development of artistic projects across a variety of artistic practices, gaining a 360 understanding of year-round artist support and relationship management.
Key responsibilities
- Shadow and assist the Programme Manager and Artist Development Curator on the development and delivery of our year-round critical programme, gaining broad insights into programme management, curation, scheduling, budgeting and programme administration.
- Support the Studios Programmer on wider programme projects, gaining further insights into programming approaches, artist invitations, drafting copy and contracting artists etc.
- Contribute ideas to weekly Studios Programming meetings, supporting the team with actions and planning
- Support the Producers on a wide range of events, gaining hands-on experience of on the ground delivery and logistical requirements for public and internal programmes, including production schedules, tech requirements, booking staff, contractors and suppliers, insights into access considerations, issuing ops orders etc.
- Support with the coordination of rehearsals and room bookings
- Support with Programme administration including tracking audiences and KPI’s
- Participate in Marketing meetings to gain insights into programme promotion and audience development, supporting the team with press announcements and opening invitations
- Support with Somerset House Studios social media
Essential skills experience and qualifications
This is an entry-level opportunity however we are looking for someone who:
- is highly creative and organised
- is interested in working collaboratively as part of a team
- has a proactive and positive approach to tasks, problem solving, and new challenges
- can demonstrate some track record of arts programming, events management and/or working with artists (could be paid experience, voluntary, community-based, extracurricular, within a learning environment, DIY etc.)
- can demonstrate an active interest in cross disciplinary programmes and artists
- has a clear interest and enthusiasm for the work of Somerset House Studios
- has some experience of using social media, in particular arts related activity
The Studios Programming Placement will have regular one-to-one meetings with the Programme Manager and Artist Development Curator, with opportunities to ask questions, tease out ideas, gain insights, as well as connection with the rest of the team (Director, Head of Studios, Programmer, Producer, Resident Producer and Studios & Digital Assistant) for wider support.
How does being a participant benefit you
By taking part in the Upgrade Yourself Creative Industries Placements programme, you will be supported in developing a broad range of personal and professional skills including confidence in the workplace, administrative skills, working in a team, day-to-day office management and planning your next steps. As a participant, you will be able to contribute to the running of an arts organisation, bringing your own opinions and a fresh perspective.
You’ll be paid the London Living Wage and have the opportunity to connect with other young people taking part in placement/internship programmes in other arts organisations.
The benefits of being a participant include pastoral care and professional support from Somerset House, mentoring and wrap around training. You will also receive all employee benefits from Somerset House trust. These include
Discounts, offers and free stuff
- The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
- Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
- Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
- Discount to local leisure centres
Holiday
- Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Birthday leave - additional day leave on or within a week of your birthday
- Festive day - additional discretionary day off around the Christmas period
