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- Tasks: Coordinate exciting public gatherings and events across Wales, connecting communities and artists.
- Company: Oriel Davies Gallery and Oriel Myrddin, vibrant contemporary art spaces.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, creative environment, and the chance to travel to Venice.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project showcasing Welsh art on an international stage.
- Qualifications: Passion for contemporary visual arts and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to make a real impact in the arts community.
The predicted salary is between 17640 - 17640 Ā£ per year.
Location: Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, Powys (with potential travel to Venice and other locations across Wales). The successful candidate will be required to regularly attend meetings in Newtown, but it will also be possible to work from home.
Salary: Ā£17,640 (140 days at Ā£126 per day over 18 months (flexible to suit the needs of the project).
Contract Type: Fixed-term Freelance (aligned with Biennale timeline November 2025-February 2027).
Reports to: Wales in Venice Curator (Steffan Jones-Hughes) and Project Director (Catherine Spring, Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen).
Hours: As required ā covering weekends, evenings, holidays. Flexible to meet the needs of the project.
Background and Vision
Oriel Davies Gallery and Oriel Myrddin in Carmarthen are vibrant contemporary art spaces. We are dedicated to providing our local communities and wider audiences with access to the best modern and contemporary visual art from Wales and the wider world. Through our exhibitions and education programmes, projects and activities, we are committed to encouraging enjoyment, understanding, learning and participation in the visual arts.
Oriel Davies, in partnership with Oriel Myrddin, are presenting Wales in Venice, the Welsh exhibition, a collateral event, at the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia in 2026. Based in Caernarfon, Manon Awstās sculptures and siteāspecific artworks are woven with ecological narratives, which focus in particular on the tension between human and moreāthanāhuman structures. The way materials transform locations and communities is at the forefront of her creative research. A writer, convenor, and collaborative practitioner, Dylan Huwās work spans publishing and curatorial projects, essays and art criticism, and longāterm collaborations with artists. It is guided by interdisciplinary, translingual and siteāresponsive methodologies, approaching writing and research as ātimeābased media.ā
Rooted in Welsh traditions of ālivenessā including cynghanedd and siteāspecific performance, the collaboration promises to invite audiences into a dynamic, evolving space of artistic exchange, while embodying the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural democracy. This activity is vital, since Venice does not mean that much to a large proportion of the Welsh audience. By working with Oriel Myrddin, the artistsā base at Stiwdio Cadnant in Caernarfon, and bog sites in Ynys MĆ“n, Ceredigion, Bannau Brycheiniog, and Swansea, we are able to reach audiences across Wales. The project allows us to reach new audiences including ecologists, scientists, community groups, writers groups, Welsh language groups, children and young people, in addition to our usual arts audiences. We are particularly good at connecting with new audiences, including new residents seeking sanctuary, people with a wide range of sensory differences, and members of the LGBTQ community. Our work reaches out to all, making it both accessible and exciting to people who might not ordinarily be interested in contemporary art.
The Public Engagement Associate will support the team in the development, production, and delivery of the Wales in Venice in Wales 2026 associated programme. This role is ideal for someone passionate about contemporary visual arts, with strong organisational skills and a collaborative mindset. The Public Programme Assistant will play a central role in delivering the ambitious SOWND programme across Wales and Venice. This role supports artists, partner organisations, venues, and communities, ensuring that all elementsācreative, logistical, and administrativeāare delivered to the highest standard. The Assistant will oversee scheduling, event delivery, documentation, audience development, communications, and evaluation.
Indicative Project Timeline:
- Confirm venues and partners: Oriel Davies, Oriel Myrddin, Stiwdio Cadnant
- Develop programme framework and themes for public gatherings
- Outreach to artists, speakers, communities, and collaborators
- Marketing and communications plan (local + preāVenice positioning)
- Delivery of Public Gatherings (Feb ā Mar 2026)
- Host events at each venue
- Engage communities in dialogue, workshops, and presentations
- Collect audience feedback and reflections
- Ensure technical documentation support
- Documentation & Content Development (Ongoing, finalised by Mar 2026)
- Curate event recordings, transcripts, and visual documentation
- Translate community input into creative/curatorial material
- Draft narratives, visuals, and interpretive content
- Preparation for Wales in Venice (Mar ā Apr 2026)
- Integrate Welsh public gathering outcomes
- Prepare communication assets
- Delivery & Legacy (Apr ā May 2026)
- Launch Venice installation
- Evaluate process and impact
- Feed learnings into future programmes
- Venice in Wales/UK (Nov 2026 ā Mar 2027)
- Reflection & Dissemination
- ReāPresentation of Venice in Wales
- Archiving & Knowledge Exchange
- Sustaining Networks & Partnerships
- Embedding Legacy for the Future
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate public gatherings and events across Wales.
- Act as liaison between artists, venues, and communities.
- Manage logistics, communications, and documentation.
- Support audience development and outreach.
- Oversee evaluation and reporting processes.
Person Specification
- Strong interest in contemporary visual arts and curatorial practice.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
- Experience in arts administration or curatorial support (internships or entryālevel roles welcome).
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Familiarity with Walesās visual arts sector.
- Experience working on international exhibitions or projects.
- Understanding of Equalities Diversity and Inclusion, and sustainability in curatorial practice.
- Italian Language skills.
- Understanding of ecological, environmental, sustainability issues, concerns and contemporary thinking.
- Understanding of Welsh culture.
Application Process
Please send a CV / Bio and a short covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role to steffan@orieldavies.org and catherine.spring@orielmyrddin.com with āCuratorial Associateā in the subject line. We will accept application as a 5 minute video. Please send a link to an online storage account such as Google Drive, DropBox, or similar. This is not essential.
Deadline: 10 January 2026
Interviews: Please give availability for interview 14 and 22 January in your application.
Contract term: Please note that we are looking for the role to start as soon as possible.
Engagement Associate (Wales in Venice in Wales) in Newtown employer: arts.wales
Contact Detail:
arts.wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Engagement Associate (Wales in Venice in Wales) in Newtown
āØTip Number 1
Get to know the team! Research Oriel Davies Gallery and Oriel Myrddin, and understand their vision. When you chat with them, show that youāre genuinely interested in their projects and how you can contribute.
āØTip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local art events or workshops to meet people in the industry. Building connections can lead to opportunities and recommendations that might just land you the job.
āØTip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion! Prepare to discuss your favourite contemporary artists or exhibitions during interviews. This shows youāre not just qualified, but also enthusiastic about the role.
āØTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youāre serious about joining the team and contributing to the exciting Wales in Venice project.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Associate (Wales in Venice in Wales) in Newtown
Some tips for your application š«”
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for contemporary visual arts shine through. We want to see why you're excited about this role and how your interests align with our mission at Oriel Davies Gallery and Oriel Myrddin.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially in arts administration or curatorial support. We love seeing how you fit into our vision!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Follow Application Instructions: Donāt forget to follow the application process as outlined! Whether it's sending your CV and cover letter via email or providing a video link, we want to see that you can follow directions. Apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
āØKnow Your Art
Make sure youāre well-versed in contemporary visual arts, especially the works of artists involved in the Wales in Venice project. Familiarise yourself with their themes and styles, as this will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
āØShowcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your organisational abilities. Whether itās coordinating events or managing logistics, be ready to discuss specific instances where you successfully juggled multiple tasks. This role requires strong organisational skills, so demonstrating your experience will set you apart.
āØEmphasise Collaboration
This position is all about working with various stakeholders, from artists to community groups. Be prepared to share experiences where youāve collaborated effectively. Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team, as this balance is crucial for success in this role.
āØUnderstand the Audience
Familiarise yourself with the diverse audiences that the project aims to reach. Discuss how you would engage different community groups and ensure inclusivity in your approach. Showing that you understand the importance of audience development will demonstrate your commitment to the project's vision.
