At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a youth-led mural project, collaborating with young people to create impactful designs.
- Company: Join the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Earn up to £3,650 while gaining valuable experience and digital badges.
- Other info: Flexible working hours during summer holidays with opportunities for creative expression.
- Why this job: Empower young voices and transform spaces, making a real impact on local lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in art and community engagement; passion for youth development.
The Young Cultural Changemakers Programme is putting creative place-making power in the hands of young people. Young people across the southeast are empowered to lead on significant creative projects in their local area, transforming their lives and those of their neighbours. Working with local communities and a range of partners, we are listening to the views, experiences and ideas of children and young people and supporting them to explore creative ways to make change happen in their areas.
Artswork has collaborated with the Isle of Wight YJS on a number of youth-led projects, in line with Child First principles, focusing on the children’s developmental needs, rights and potential, while striving to divert them from the criminal justice system. In a previous collaboration, children supported by the YJS co-created a ceiling design for the cell at Newport police station in which children and vulnerable adults are held. That design was ultimately installed elsewhere at Newport Police Station, but Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary recognise the potential benefits of having a mural co-created by children in the cell itself and have generously co-funded this opportunity.
The aims of the project are to support the YJS’s work reducing reoffending, by giving the children involved in the project an opportunity to ‘give something back’ and be proud of their achievements, while at the same time learning new skills, acquiring digital badge qualifications and potentially improving employability. By creating a calming and ‘friendly’ space, that feels less hostile, it will also support the vulnerable children and adults going through the system.
Brief
The chosen artist will work with children supported by the YJS at five regular weekly sessions on Wednesdays 12:30 – 2 pm during the school summer holidays to develop a design for the cell walls. The design should:
- Engender calm and reduce anxiety
- Be non-triggering
- Be developed in workshop sessions in such a way that the final installation can be completed in a single weekend
- Use design/paints/varnishes that minimise the risk of the mural being defaced and can withstand regular cleaning
The chosen artist will work with the children to paint the mural they have co-designed over two days in September 2026 (dates to be confirmed). The artist will support the children to achieve digital badges in areas such as Communication and Teamwork.
Up to £3,650 is available for this work, to include the artist’s time, materials, installation costs, travel, expenses and VAT. In putting forward their proposal, it is for the artist to determine how the budget is allocated to deliver the proposed project.
Deadline: 10:00 Thursday 9 July 2026
To apply please send a short (2 page A4 maximum) expression of interest responding to the Artist Specification above and a CV which can include up to 5 images or a link to a website. Please refer to the full project details and application process in the document above.
Find out more about the work we have been doing on the Isle of Wight for updates on our programmes, training and opportunities.
Youth-Led Mural Commission – Isle of Wight in Newport employer: Artswork Limited
Artswork is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and community engagement, particularly through initiatives like the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme on the Isle of Wight. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and empowers young people to lead transformative projects, offering them valuable skills and qualifications while making a positive impact in their communities. With a focus on personal growth and meaningful contributions, we provide a unique opportunity for artists to engage with youth and help create spaces that promote healing and pride.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth-Led Mural Commission – Isle of Wight in Newport
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Youth-Led Mural Commission – Isle of Wight in Newport
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 Artswork Limited.
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 Artswork Limited 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 Artswork Limited to help us understand how you can directly contribute to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Artswork Limited
✨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 Artswork Limited 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.
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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.
