At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate an exciting festival programme and collaborate with local and national artists.
- Company: OneRen, a vibrant cultural organisation dedicated to community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £31/hr, flexible hours, and the chance to shape a major arts festival.
- Other info: Work from August 2026 to April 2027, with opportunities for creative expression.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team and make a real impact on the arts scene in Renfrewshire.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue or festival programming and a strong network of industry contacts.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 38500 £ per year.
OneRen are seeking a dynamic and creative Freelance Arts Festival Programmer to join our team to build on the success of the 2026 Festival. The second edition of Paisley Arts Festival will take place between 26 - 28 March 2027.
The role of the Associate Programmer is to:
- Curate an ambitious, diverse and unique festival programme of performances and events across OneRen's cultural venues Paisley Arts Centre and Paisley Town Hall utilising indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Collaborate to programme work at national level whilst showcasing local artists.
- Ensure the festival programme connects strongly with place to create meaningful engagement with Renfrewshire communities and beyond, offering a platform for high quality work that will appeal to a diverse range of audiences.
The ideal programmer will be bursting with ideas, contacts, be able to bring experience of venue/festival programming and a wide network of contacts nationally across multiple genres.
Timeframe: August/Sep 2026 - April 2027 Approx 2 days a week, based on 7hrs per day at £31 per hr for 33 weeks.
Deadline for submissions: June 23rd 5pm
To be considered for this role, please provide a CV and a written statement (max 4 x A4 pages) no later than June 23rd 5pm, outlining specifically:
- Your approach to programming the festival
- Who would you seek to partner with and what artists/performers would you approach?
- What would the first edition of the Paisley Arts Festival look like?
- How would you ensure the programme appeals to Renfrewshire audiences and beyond while being rooted in place?
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role please contact: Christine Martin christine.martin@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Freelance Associate Programmer in Paisley employer: OneRen
OneRen is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for creative individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the arts. With a focus on community engagement and collaboration, employees have the opportunity to curate unique programmes that resonate with diverse audiences while enjoying flexible working arrangements. The role of Freelance Associate Programmer not only allows for personal artistic expression but also offers a platform to connect with local and national artists, making it a rewarding experience in the heart of Renfrewshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Associate Programmer in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the arts scene and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend local events, workshops, or festivals to meet new people and share your passion for programming.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential collaborators or employers, don’t hold back on sharing your ideas for the festival. Bring your vision to life by discussing how you’d curate an exciting programme that resonates with the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a festival or event that excites you, reach out to them directly. Express your interest in collaborating or contributing, even if they haven't advertised any openings. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to connect with us. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline and highlight your unique approach to programming. Let’s create something amazing together!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Associate Programmer in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Festival:Before you start writing, take some time to really understand the Paisley Arts Festival and its vibe. Think about how your ideas can fit into the festival's mission and how you can make it resonate with the local community.
Be Creative and Bold:This is your chance to shine! Don’t hold back on your ideas for programming. Show us your unique vision for the festival and how you plan to bring diverse performances to life. We want to see your creativity in action!
Connect with the Community:Make sure to highlight how your programming will engage with Renfrewshire audiences. Share specific examples of local artists or community groups you’d collaborate with to ensure the festival feels rooted in place.
Follow the Guidelines:Stick to the application requirements! Keep your written statement within the 4 A4 pages limit and make sure to address all the questions outlined in the job description. This shows us that you can follow instructions and are serious about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at OneRen
✨Know Your Festival Vision
Before the interview, take some time to really think about your vision for the Paisley Arts Festival. Be ready to articulate how you would curate a diverse and ambitious programme that resonates with both local and national audiences. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but you’ve got a clear plan!
✨Showcase Your Network
OneRen is looking for someone with a wide network of contacts. Make sure to highlight your connections with artists and performers during the interview. Bring examples of past collaborations and how they could translate into partnerships for the festival.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you can create meaningful engagement with the Renfrewshire community. Prepare specific ideas on how to involve local artists and audiences in the programming process. This will demonstrate your commitment to connecting the festival with its place.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Approach
The job description asks for your approach to programming the festival. Be prepared to discuss your creative process, how you select performances, and what makes a successful festival in your eyes. This is your chance to show off your passion and creativity!
