At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore behind-the-scenes roles in the arts and heritage sectors with hands-on training.
- Company: Streetwise Opera, dedicated to empowering individuals with lived experience of homelessness.
- Benefits: Earn £14.80 per hour, gain valuable skills, and receive mentorship from industry professionals.
- Other info: Flexible online and in-person training with opportunities for work placements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while building your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have lived experience of homelessness and a curiosity for arts and heritage roles.
The predicted salary is between 14.8 - 14.8 £ per hour.
A mentored introduction to the opera and heritage sectors aimed at people with lived experience of homelessness.
Streetwise Opera Pioneers is a short, mentored programme designed for people with lived experience of homelessness to take their first steps in exploring careers in the opera and wider arts and heritage sectors - specifically in behind-the-scenes and curatorial roles that support, produce and facilitate the work of an organisation. This is a paid opportunity - participants will receive payment for their time, at the London Living Wage. There is no cost to take part.
This programme will provide the Pioneers with the opportunity to build knowledge and skills as leaders of the future, bringing fresh eyes and ideas to these vital sectors. This is not a programme for performers, directors, or designers, but instead focuses on the essential areas that make productions and arts organisations function: producing, marketing, fundraising, administration, and leadership.
Led by Streetwise Opera alongside arts and heritage partners such as the Museum of Homelessness, the programme will be delivered online and in person by Streetwise staff and heritage partners, offering an insight into the arts and heritage sectors and the skills and people that keep them running. Participants in the programme will be paid at the London living wage of £14.80 per hour for all activity and for attending mentoring sessions. We estimate that the total fee for taking part will be in the region of £900.
This programme is aimed at people with:
- Lived experience of homelessness, at any point of their life. Homelessness can mean rough sleeping but can also include sofa-surfing, living in temporary accommodation, unsafe or overcrowded housing and being at risk of domestic abuse.
- A curiosity about behind-the-scenes roles in the heritage and arts sectors, such as marketing and communication, producing, fundraising, customer service, education, producing, curation, archiving, leadership and administration.
The programme is a short-term training and development scheme designed to build skills over an intensive period. The programme operates at a national level, engaging participants from across the country. Mentorship and support from professionals in the arts and heritage sectors, including one-to-one guidance from Streetwise Opera staff and heritage specialists. Parts of the programme will be tailored to reflect the individual interests and goals of participants. Work experience placements within Streetwise Opera or with partner arts & heritage organisations. A practical introduction to key areas of the sector, including: oral history practice, archives and collections practice, research skills, public history and interpretation, creative interpretation and presentation of heritage, marketing and communications, fundraising, customer service, front of house, and arts and heritage leadership and administration.
Streetwise Opera employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Streetwise Opera
✨Get Involved with Local Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering for local nonprofits. It’s a fantastic way to meet people in the social impact space, learn about ongoing projects, and get your foot in the door. Plus, it looks great on your placement applications!
✨Attend Networking Events
Keep an eye out for networking events, workshops, or conferences focused on social impact. These gatherings are gold mines for connections and often feature organisations like Arts Council England that are actively seeking placements. Don't forget to bring your enthusiasm and genuine interest in their mission!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Your university career services can be a treasure trove for placement opportunities. They often have partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talent. Make sure to ask about specialised job boards or upcoming fairs in the nonprofit sector.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Create a blog or share posts on social media about causes you care about. This not only enhances your visibility but can attract the attention of organisations like Arts Council England. They’ll appreciate your initiative and commitment to social impact when you apply for your placement!
We think you need these skills to ace Streetwise Opera
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:When applying for a Streetwise Opera in the nonprofit sector, make sure your cover letter reflects your genuine passion for social change. Talk about any volunteer work, projects, or causes you've been involved in that align with Arts Council England’s mission—this shows us that you’re not just looking for any placement, but that you care about making a difference.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the nonprofit world, experience speaks volumes. Be sure to include any relevant internships, volunteer positions, or coursework that demonstrates your commitment and skills in social impact projects. Use bullet points in your CV to list your achievements clearly and quantify them where possible to show the real impact of your work.
Tailor Your Application Specifically to Arts Council England:We want to see that you've done your homework on Arts Council England! Personalise your application by mentioning specific programmes or initiatives that excite you. It’s a great way to show us that you’re not sending a generic application, but that you truly want to be part of our mission and values.
Reflect on Your Learning Goals:As you’re applying for a placement, think about what you want to learn and gain from the experience. Include a brief section in your cover letter about what skills or knowledge you’re hoping to develop during your time with us. This shows proactive thinking and a readiness to grow within the social impact sector!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Spotlight on Passion for Social Impact
When you're interviewing for a placement in the nonprofit sector like with Arts Council England, we want to convey our genuine passion for social issues. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with social impact projects in the past, whether through volunteering, campaigns, or coursework. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about showing how your heart's in it!
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
In a nonprofit interview, especially for a placement, we might encounter real-world scenarios or case studies. Get prepared to answer questions based on actual challenges that organisations face, like budget cuts or community outreach dilemmas. Show how you'd approach these situations creatively and resourcefully.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
Nonprofit work is all about teamwork. Highlight experiences where you’ve collaborated with diverse groups or worked on team-led projects. We want to demonstrate our ability to navigate different perspectives and unify them towards a common goal, which is crucial in social impact initiatives.
✨Dress Smart, Be Approachable
While we're not aiming for corporate stiffness, it's important to strike a balance in our attire. Dressing smart but approachable can help us connect with the interviewer at Arts Council England. Remember, body language matters too—be open and friendly to show that you're not just knowledgeable but also someone they'd want to work with on sensitive projects.
