At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a creative team exploring Scottish folk traditions through music and storytelling.
- Company: Exciting outdoor R&D project in Edinburgh focused on healing and nature.
- Benefits: Earn £650 for a week of collaboration and creativity, with travel costs covered.
- Other info: Engage in a curious, exploratory process culminating in a public sharing.
- Why this job: Share your passion for Scottish culture while connecting with diverse artists.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of Scottish folk traditions; no theatre experience required.
Scottish folk musician/storyteller sought for an outdoor R&D week, Edinburgh, in July. Exploring healing & nature across Brazilian & Scottish traditions. Fee: £650.
About the project
A Memória das Folhas is a site‑specific, outdoor R&D project exploring healing, nature, and folk traditions across Brazilian and Scottish cultures. Led by director and producer Flavia D'Avila, the project brings together a small company of artists to spend one week researching, creating, and sharing work. The project is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council's Diversity & Inclusion Flexible Fund. The week culminates in a free public sharing outdoors.
What we are looking for:
- Scottish traditional or folk music (any instrument or voice)
- Traditional storytelling or oral history
- Song connected to landscape, plants, or nature
- Community music or participatory sound practice
We are seeking an artist focused on Scottish folk culture to join the company for the R&D week as a fourth creative voice. You don't need to have worked in theatre before, and you don't need to be Scottish‑born. What matters most is genuine knowledge of Scottish folk traditions and an openness to creative dialogue with artists from a very different cultural background. This is an R&D process without a specific targeted outcome. We want curious and exploratory, not polished.
What the week involves:
- Five days of collaborative R&D, primarily outdoors at a green space in southern Edinburgh
- Sharing your knowledge of Scottish folk traditions through songs, stories, poems, plant lore, etc., with the company
- Participating in a cultural barter
- Contributing to the public sharing at the end of the week
Dates & fee:
R&D week: w/b 13th July 2026
Fee: £650 (in line with other artists in the company)
Travel: travel costs within Edinburgh covered
How to apply:
Please send a short email responding to this prompt: "Name a Scottish folk song, poem, or story connected to the natural world and tell us in a few short sentences why it matters to you". Links to your work are welcome but not required; you can just tell us a bit about yourself, your practice and why this project interests you. Email the above to flavia.davila@gmail.com by 13th June 2025.
Deadline:
The deadline is Saturday 13 June 2026 at 23:55.
Scottish folk musician or storyteller employer: Creative Scotland
Join a vibrant and inclusive artistic community in Edinburgh, where your passion for Scottish folk traditions will be celebrated and explored. This unique R&D project offers a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and cultural exchange, providing you with the opportunity to share your knowledge while engaging with diverse artistic perspectives. With a focus on personal growth and exploration, this role promises a rewarding experience amidst the beautiful outdoor settings of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scottish folk musician or storyteller
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the project inside out! Dive into A Memória das Folhas and understand its themes of healing and nature. This will help you connect your own Scottish folk traditions to what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
When you reach out, be authentic! Share a personal story or connection to the Scottish folk song, poem, or story you choose. We want to see your passion and how it ties into the natural world.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to showcase your creativity! If you have links to your work, include them. Even if they’re not required, they can give us a taste of your style and approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing all the talent that comes through our platform!
We think you need these skills to ace Scottish folk musician or storyteller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you’re sharing your thoughts on a Scottish folk song, poem, or story, let your genuine passion shine through. We want to hear what truly resonates with you and why it matters in the context of nature.
Keep It Concise:We appreciate brevity! Stick to a few short sentences that clearly convey your connection to the piece you choose. This helps us get a quick sense of your voice and perspective.
Show Your Creativity:Feel free to express your artistic side! Whether it’s through storytelling, music, or poetry, we’re looking for that spark of creativity that connects Scottish traditions with the natural world.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to send your application via email to flavia.davila@gmail.com by the deadline. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Know Your Folk Traditions
Dive deep into Scottish folk music and storytelling. Be prepared to share specific songs, stories, or poems that resonate with you and connect to nature. This shows your genuine knowledge and passion for the culture.
✨Embrace Collaboration
Since this project is all about creative dialogue, be open to sharing your ideas and learning from others. Think about how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and be ready to discuss your approach to working with artists from different backgrounds.
✨Be Authentic and Curious
The project values exploration over polish, so don’t stress about having everything perfect. Show your curiosity and willingness to experiment with your art. Share your thoughts on how you might explore healing and nature through your work.
✨Craft Your Application Thoughtfully
When responding to the application prompt, choose a piece that truly speaks to you. Explain why it matters in a way that reflects your personal connection to the song, poem, or story. This will help you stand out and show your passion for the project.
