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 per hour, flexible working hours, and creative freedom.
- Other info: Join us from August 2026 to April 2027 for an inspiring journey.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the Paisley Arts Festival and connect with diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue or festival programming and a strong network of 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 employer: Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd
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
✨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 employers, be ready to share your ideas for the festival. Think about unique themes or collaborations that could make the Paisley Arts Festival stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay engaged with the community! Follow local artists and organisations on social media, and participate in discussions. This will not only keep you informed but also show your commitment to connecting with Renfrewshire audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit your CV and written statement directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and consider you for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Associate Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your statement, let your enthusiasm for arts programming shine through! We want to see how excited you are about curating a unique festival experience that resonates with the community.
Be Specific:Don’t just throw around general ideas; we want to know exactly who you’d partner with and which artists you’d approach. The more detailed your vision for the festival, the better we can see how you fit into our team!
Connect with the Community:Make sure to highlight how your programme will engage with Renfrewshire audiences. We’re looking for creative ways to root the festival in the local culture, so share your thoughts on how to make that connection strong.
Follow the Guidelines:Stick to the application requirements! Keep your written statement within the 4 A4 pages limit and submit everything by the deadline. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows us you can follow instructions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd
✨Know Your Festival Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the Paisley Arts Festival. Be ready to discuss how you would curate a diverse and ambitious programme that resonates with local communities while also appealing to a wider audience.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections in the arts community during the interview. Be prepared to mention specific artists or performers you would approach and how these collaborations could enhance the festival's offerings.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you would ensure meaningful engagement with Renfrewshire audiences. Have examples ready of past projects where you've successfully connected with local communities, and be ready to share your ideas on how to replicate that success.
✨Be Creative and Dynamic
This role calls for creativity, so don’t hold back! Bring your best ideas to the table and be enthusiastic about how you can contribute to the festival's success. Show them you’re bursting with innovative concepts that will make the festival stand out.
