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- Tasks: Lead the vision and programming for a vibrant literary festival.
- Company: Join the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, a celebrated community event on the stunning Jurassic Coast.
- Benefits: Enjoy a freelance role with a £25,000 fee and travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Shape a diverse literary programme and engage with authors while fostering creativity in the community.
- Qualifications: Passion for literature, innovative thinking, and experience in event programming are essential.
- Other info: Work from home with regular visits to the picturesque Budleigh Salterton.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Artistic Director: Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is seeking a dynamic and creative Artistic Director to lead the vision and programming for this highly regarded literary event
This is an exciting and rare opportunity for an Artistic Director whose role will be to curate a diverse and inspiring programme that celebrates literature in all its forms, fosters creativity, and engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The selected candidate will build on the success of the Festival to date and work with its volunteer committee to create a vision for the future, for both the Festival and its outreach programme with schools and young people.
The Festival is located in the picturesque seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, on the East Devon Jurassic Coast. Wholeheartedly supported by the local community, the main Festival programme runs across five days in September comprising approximately 55 individual sessions held in five main town centre venues. A two-day spring Festival takes place every March.
The role
The Artistic Director is responsible for programming the Festival, booking the authors, chairs, and speakers, and creating a diverse, inclusive, and enjoyable programme which celebrates books, authors, and writing across a range of genres. Working with the committee, you will:
• identify and invite renowned authors, poets, playwrights, and literary figures to participate in the festival. Cultivate relationships with emerging talents and local artists to ensure a balance of established and up-and-coming voices
• ensure each Festival has an innovative high-quality programme which is managed professionally to the highest standard, remaining constantly aware of the limits of the annual budget. You will also work with the Education and Outreach team to build a strong inclusive programme for children and young people and their families
• work closely with the festival team to oversee the logistical planning and execution of events, including venue selection, scheduling, budget management, and technical requirements
• ensure the Festival is commercially successful and sufficient income is generated to fund the BSLF’s charitable aims and outreach programmes.
About you
You will have:
• deep knowledge and passion for literature across genres, a keen awareness of current literary trends and emerging voices ,and a desire to showcase and make these accessible to a wide audience
• creative vision and innovative thinking, with the ability to conceptualise and execute compelling programming that resonates with audiences
• experience of working with authors and a proven track record, or be able to demonstrate potential, for creating an engaging programme of events and speakers that reflect the range, diversity, and depth of contemporary writing that connects with the local and regional audience
• good networks across the independent and commercial publishing sectors and have knowledge of book-related social media channels.
What we offer
Fee: £25,000 per annum plus travel expenses.
Location: Home-based with regular visits to Budleigh Salterton and located in Budleigh during the Spring festival in March and the main festival in September.
Role: Freelance.
No. Days: Approximately 80 days per annum.
How to apply
Please send a full CV including names and contacts of two referees and a letter of application outlining your interest in the role.
Applications should be sent to: Sue Briggs, Chair, Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival at suebriggs@budlitfest.org.uk with the subject line BSLF Artistic Director application.
First interviews in Budleigh Salterton: w/c 22nd April 2024
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Artistic Director: Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival employer: BookBrunch Limited
Contact Detail:
BookBrunch Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Artistic Director: Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
✨Tip Number 1
Network with local authors and literary figures in the Budleigh Salterton area. Attend literary events, book launches, and workshops to build relationships that could be beneficial for your application and future programming.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the previous programmes of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. Understanding what has worked well in the past can help you propose innovative ideas that align with the festival's vision while also showcasing your creative thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the community by attending local events or volunteering at similar festivals. This will not only enhance your understanding of the audience but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture in the area.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current literary trends and emerging voices by following relevant social media channels and literary blogs. This knowledge will be crucial in curating a diverse and engaging programme that resonates with a wide audience.
We think you need these skills to ace Artistic Director: Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Artistic Director position. Familiarise yourself with the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival's mission and past programming to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline your passion for literature and your vision for the festival. Highlight your experience in curating events and working with authors, and explain how you can contribute to the festival's success.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles that involved programming, event management, or working within the literary community. Include specific examples of successful projects or events you've led that demonstrate your capability for this role.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to Sue Briggs and ensure you follow the specified format. Use the subject line 'BSLF Artistic Director application' as instructed, and double-check for any additional requirements mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at BookBrunch Limited
✨Showcase Your Passion for Literature
Make sure to express your deep knowledge and enthusiasm for literature during the interview. Share specific examples of authors or genres that inspire you, and discuss how you stay updated on current literary trends.
✨Demonstrate Your Creative Vision
Prepare to discuss your innovative ideas for programming the festival. Think about how you can create a diverse and engaging lineup that resonates with various audiences, and be ready to share your vision for the future of the festival.
✨Highlight Your Networking Skills
Emphasise your connections within the literary community, including relationships with authors, publishers, and emerging talents. This will show that you have the ability to curate a balanced programme that includes both established and new voices.
✨Discuss Logistical Planning Experience
Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing events, including budget management and logistical planning. Highlight any past roles where you successfully executed similar projects, as this will demonstrate your capability to oversee the festival's operations.
