Travelling Gallery Advisory Group Members in Edinburgh

We are looking to appoint three new Advisory Group Members to help guide and support the Travelling Gallery. You will play an active role within a small but ambitious arts organization that has communities, creativity and collaboration at its core. Looking ahead to the future we are approaching an exciting but crucial junction in our journey with our 50th anniversary approaching in 2028, and decisions to be made around our service vehicle and model. We are seeking new Advisory Group members to share ideas and help steer the much-loved bus.

About Us: The Travelling Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in a bus, unique to Scotland. Since 1978 we have been taking our exhibition programme to communities across Scotland, predominantly to areas with less art provision, so that people from every background and community have the opportunity to engage with excellent, experimental, and inspiring art practices. We know that there are significant barriers to visiting a contemporary art gallery; Travelling Gallery breaks these down by engaging audiences in their own surroundings, visiting local high streets, community centres, libraries and schools.

We are funded by Creative Scotland as part of their current Multi Year Portfolio (2025-28) but are also a part of the City of Edinburgh Council Museums and Galleries division who provide us with a management framework and support across amongst other things HR, IT, Vehicle Maintenance and Finance.

Requirements & Commitments: As Travelling Gallery sits within a Local Authority we are not governed by an independent Board. The Advisory Group was established in 2008 to advise on, inform and challenge the work of the gallery as well as support the Travelling Gallery curator and team and bring in an outside voice. The Advisory Group does not vote or govern. Members have an advisory capacity and have no decision-making responsibilities. The Group comprises an equal balance of City of Edinburgh Council staff members and external individuals with a relevant range of expertise, skills and duties to effectively support the ambitions of the organisation.

The group typically meets three to four times a year – a combination of in person and online. Members serve for an initial two-year period, after which their membership is reviewed, with a five-year term being the maximum period.

Advisory Group members bring skills, inspiration and enhanced experience to the Travelling Gallery service. The roles are unpaid voluntary positions, but reasonable expenses are paid and we will cover loss of earnings using a pro rata of £125 per half day. Meetings are usually 1.5-2 hours, and so this rate includes preparation time. We engage with a diverse audience and want our Advisory Group to reflect that. Therefore, we welcome applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented in the arts and heritage sectors, especially those who identify as part of the Global Majority, (Dis)abled, LGBTQ+, Trans or Working-Class communities.

We expect that different Advisory Group members will bring a range of skills and experience; and are looking for members who believe they can offer something in any of the following areas:

• Creative learning, whether at school, further education or community based.
• Development and fundraising.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Marketing and advocacy for our values.
• Environmental issues and awareness.
• Transport including buses and large vehicles.

How to Apply: If you believe that everyone should have access to art and want to be part of our unique organization please email us a letter of interest (no longer than one A4 page) explaining why you are interested in taking up one of these positions, and how you feel you might be able to contribute to the organization. Emails can be sent to travellinggallery@edinburgh.gov.uk with the subject header 'Advisory Group Expression of Interest'.

If you would like to know more about the organisation, the Advisory Group and the role you will play before submitting interest email Louise Briggs, Curator, Travelling Gallery to arrange a call. Applications are welcome in writing, audio, or video.