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- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of an exciting arts festival on the stunning Isle of Portland.
- Company: b-side, a vibrant arts organisation known for innovative contemporary art experiences.
- Benefits: Freelance role with flexible hours and the chance to work in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique festival that showcases ambitious art and supports emerging artists.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management for festivals or arts projects is essential.
- Other info: Join us for a dynamic festival experience from 10-13 September 2026!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
b-side is an internationally recognised and locally loved arts organisation based on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, UK. b-side delivers the annual b-side Festival, presenting ambitious, site-responsive contemporary art across Portland’s distinctive landscape and public spaces. b-side Festival 2026 will take place from 10–13 September 2026, with artworks, events and activities across multiple sites on the Isle of Portland and surrounding areas. Alongside the festival, b-side delivers a programme of festival-related events and activities in the lead-up to September, including artist research and development days and other public-facing activity on the island. As a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England, we prioritise collaboration, participation, and support for early-career artists.
Contract, Fee & Time Commitment
- Contract type: Freelance
- Deadline: March 6th 2026
- Indicative breakdown:
- Pre-festival preparation and related b-side activities (including R&D days and other island-based events): 15 days
- Post-festival pack down and wash-up: 3 days
Role Description
b-side is seeking an experienced Freelance Production Manager to lead on the planning and delivery of production for b-side Festival 2026. The Production Manager will manage sites and locations, oversee artists’ production requirements, coordinate technical delivery, and ensure all logistical, health and safety, and budgetary requirements are met. The role works closely with the Director, artists, technicians, suppliers, venue holders and local authorities. The Production Manager is expected to be present during the festival period and at key pre-festival events and activities, including research and development days and other related events taking place on the Isle of Portland.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Production Manager (or similar) for festivals, events, or site-specific arts projects.
- Understanding of outdoor, public-realm and non-traditional site production.
- Experience completing risk assessments and event management plans.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Confidence managing multiple sites, artists and suppliers.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with artists and creative practitioners.
- Knowledge of licensing, traffic management and local authority processes.
- Familiarity with the Isle of Portland or comparable landscapes.
How to Apply: Download the full brief www.b-side.org.uk
Freelance Festival Production Manager in Weymouth employer: b-side
Contact Detail:
b-side Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Festival Production Manager in Weymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local arts events and festivals to meet people in the industry. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and chat about your experience. You never know who might have a lead on a freelance gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past festival production work. Include photos, videos, and testimonials from artists or collaborators. This will help you stand out when you’re pitching for roles like the one at b-side.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of all the applications you send out and follow up if you haven’t heard back. A friendly nudge can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows you’re genuinely interested in working with us at b-side and helps streamline the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Festival Production Manager in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Production Manager or in similar roles. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and delivered successful events, especially in outdoor or non-traditional settings.
Be Specific About Skills: When listing your skills, be specific! Talk about your organisational prowess, problem-solving abilities, and how you manage multiple sites and stakeholders. We love details that show us you're the right fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to b-side and the festival context. Mention your understanding of the Isle of Portland and how you can contribute to our unique artistic vision.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at b-side
✨Know Your Festival Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into b-side's past festivals and their unique approach to site-responsive art. Familiarise yourself with their previous projects and understand how they engage with the local community. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in festival production. Whether it was managing multiple sites or coordinating with various stakeholders, having concrete stories ready will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the role.
✨Highlight Your Local Knowledge
If you have experience working on the Isle of Portland or similar landscapes, make sure to mention it! Discuss how your familiarity with the area can benefit the festival's logistics and community engagement. If not, research the island's unique features and think about how they could influence your production strategies.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the festival's vision, challenges they face, and how they see the role evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
