At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape arts funding by reviewing applications and providing expert insights.
- Company: Join the Arts Council of Wales and make a difference in the creative sector.
- Benefits: Earn £300 per day, flexible freelance work, and contribute to inclusive funding decisions.
- Other info: Open to ages 18-30, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Use your unique experiences to influence fair funding for diverse communities across Wales.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts, culture, or creative industries; fresh perspectives valued.
The predicted salary is between 150 - 150 £ per hour.
Do you have experience in the arts, culture or creative industries? Could your professional expertise or lived experience help shape fair, inclusive funding decisions affecting individuals, organisations and communities? We are looking for independent experts and practitioners to join a new cohort of Arts Associates who will help assess grant applications and support the development of our funding programme.
What does an Arts Associate do?
Arts Associates help bring independent expertise and fresh perspectives to our work. By drawing on a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experience, they help ensure our funding decisions are fair, transparent and informed by the communities we serve across Wales.
Depending on your skills and experience, opportunities may include:
- Reviewing grant applications
- Contributing to assessment and decision‑making panels
- Providing specialist advice and insight
- Supporting the development of funding programmes and initiatives
Who should apply?
We're keen to hear from people with experience across the arts, culture and creative sectors, including expertise in areas such as:
- Artist and/or creative professional
- Business development, income generation and enterprise
- Climate justice
- Cultural exchange
- Cymraeg in the arts
- Equalities, diversity and inclusion
- Health/care sector experience (NHS, Health Charities, Social Care)
- International & touring
- Mentoring, coaching and training
- Monitoring & evaluation
- Producing and project management
- Venue & events management and programming
You don't need experience in every area, we’re interested in hearing from people who can bring specialist knowledge, sound judgement and fresh perspectives to our work from a variety of different backgrounds. We are particularly keen to hear from people whose lived experience will help ensure our decision‑making reflects the diversity of Wales, including people who are:
- Disabled
- Deaf
- LGBTQIA+
- Based in rural areas
- Ethnically and culturally diverse
- From lower socio-economic backgrounds
- Aged between 18‑30
- Have caring responsibilities
How it works
Associates will be engaged by Arts Council of Wales as freelancers and matched to opportunities based on their expertise and experience. The indicative fee is £300 per day (8 hours) or £150 per half day (4 hours). Please note that Associates are engaged on an ad‑hoc basis and we cannot guarantee work. Opportunities will be offered as they arise and where they match an individual's expertise and experience. Associates should also be able to participate in online meetings via Microsoft Teams and will be expected to maintain confidentiality and declare any conflicts of interest where appropriate.
Key dates
Shortlisting outcomes communicated: 24th August 2026
Decisions, contracts and training arrangements communicated: 14th September 2026
Interested in applying?
To apply, please complete this online expression of interest form before Friday 24th July 2026 at 1pm. Please note after submitting your personal details you can either choose to answer the further questions via the online form or to upload a video.
Help shape arts funding in Wales – Become an Arts Associate employer: arts.wales
Wyeside Arts Centre is an exceptional employer for young individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the arts community. As a Youth Trustee, you will gain invaluable experience in governance while being supported through training and mentorship, all within a vibrant cultural hub in Builth Wells. Join us to help shape the creative direction of our centre and ensure that the voices of your peers are heard, all while building confidence and expanding your professional network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Help shape arts funding in Wales – Become an Arts Associate
✨Connect with Local NGOs
Dive into local non-profit events and community workshops—these are goldmines for freelance gigs in the social impact space. Networking with pro-bono organisations can lead to discovering opportunities where your skills can shine.
✨Showcase Your Impact Portfolio
Create a compelling portfolio that highlights your past social impact projects. This should include client testimonials and case studies—real stories that show how you've made a difference. Use platforms like Behance or a personal website to host your work.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities focused on social impact and non-profits. Participating in discussions not only builds your reputation but can also lead to freelance gigs as other members share job opportunities.
✨Pitch to Non-Profit Startups
Many start-ups in the non-profit sector are looking for freelancers who can support their mission. Research potential projects, approach them with tailored pitches that explain how you can help, and apply directly through our website for a solid starting point!
We think you need these skills to ace Help shape arts funding in Wales – Become an Arts Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:When applying for a freelance role in social impact projects, let your enthusiasm shine through! In your application, share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social causes. This helps us see why you're a perfect fit for making a difference with arts.wales.
Craft a Tailored Portfolio:For our freelance positions, it’s really important to include a portfolio that showcases your previous work in the nonprofit sector or social impact initiatives. Highlight projects that align closely with the kind of work arts.wales does, and don’t forget to include metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact!
Outline Your Availability and Rates Clearly:Transparency is key in freelance applications! Make sure to include your availability and any rate expectations in your application. This gives us a clear understanding of how you can fit into our projects and helps to set the stage for a smooth collaboration.
Connect the Dots in Your CV:When it comes to your CV, focus on relevant experiences that highlight your skills in project management, grant writing, or community engagement. Tailor your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the freelance role at arts.wales to help us understand how you can directly contribute to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
✨Showcase Your Impact
As we're diving into the world of nonprofits and social impact projects, it’s vital to highlight your previous work that made a difference. Bring along case studies or examples from your freelance projects that emphasise your ability to create positive change and measure outcomes. Let’s show arts.wales how you’ve delivered real results!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you’d handle specific challenges in the nonprofit space. They might throw real-world scenarios your way to see your problem-solving skills in action. Practise articulating your thought process, as this will demonstrate not only competence but also a genuine passion for the issues at stake.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
Remember, freelancing means you’re not just someone they hire; you’re a partner in their mission. Be prepared to sell your unique skillset and how it fits their needs. Tailor your pitch based on the social causes they're involved in to show that you understand and resonate with their goals.
✨Bring the Right Tools
In the nonprofit sector, familiarity with project management and collaboration tools can set you apart. Whether it’s Trello, Asana, or Google Workspace, have examples ready of how you’ve used these tools in past projects to streamline your work. This will illustrate your organisational skills and readiness to be an effective team member from day one.
