At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage creatively in traditional arts and promote them across the university and beyond.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a vibrant community committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the traditional arts while collaborating with passionate students and professionals.
- Qualifications: Expertise in traditional arts and proven collaborative skills.
The predicted salary is between 34610 - 39906 £ per year.
Salary: £34,610.00 – £39,906.00 per annum, pro rata.
Part Time – 7 Hours Per Week. Fixed Term Contract – 2 years, Tenable from 1 September 2026.
Applications are invited for a part‑time (0.2) post of Traditional Artist in Residence based in the department of Celtic and Scottish Studies and the School of Scottish Studies Archives. Located within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, you will contribute creatively to the teaching, research and outreach activities of these areas, while also helping to promote understanding of the traditional arts more widely across the University and beyond.
The Opportunity
The appointee will be an established practitioner in one or more areas of the traditional arts of instrumental music, song, storytelling and dance, with a commitment to exploring and strengthening the links between them. They will have proven ability to engage creatively with a varied cohort of students, and a commitment to promoting meaningful engagement with the traditional arts across and beyond the university. The appointee will interact closely with the rich ethnological materials held within the School of Scottish Studies Archives and other relevant University heritage collections, and will be encouraged to lead on the exploration of these in the creation of new work. They will also have demonstrable organisational skills, as well as established connections in the professional traditional arts performance world nationally and internationally.
The appointment is for a fixed term of 2 years, starting in September 2026. In recognition of the demands of working practitioners, a degree of flexibility will be possible regarding the working pattern, although the appointee will have to be available for student consultations on a regular basis.
We welcome applications for this post from all qualified candidates and particularly welcome applications from members of minority ethnic groups, who are currently under‑represented in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.
Your skills and attributes for success
- Expertise as a practitioner of one or more traditional arts (instrumental music, song, storytelling, dance)
- A close familiarity with the traditional arts of Scotland in particular
- Knowledge of and contacts in local, national and international arts practice and performance
- A substantial body of experience and output as a creator/ performer
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with other creative professionals
As a valued member of our team, you can expect
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive staff benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 5 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.
Traditional Artist in Residence employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity for Traditional Artists in Residence to engage with a vibrant community dedicated to the traditional arts. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the university provides a supportive environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Located in the heart of Scotland, this role allows you to connect deeply with rich cultural heritage while contributing to innovative teaching and outreach initiatives.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traditional Artist in Residence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow artists, professors, and industry contacts. Attend events or workshops related to traditional arts to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create an online portfolio or social media presence that highlights your skills in instrumental music, song, storytelling, or dance. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures or similar departments to express your interest and see if there are any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community and contributing to the traditional arts.
We think you need these skills to ace Traditional Artist in Residence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for traditional arts shine through! Share your experiences and how they connect to the role. We want to see your creative spirit and commitment to promoting these arts.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your expertise in instrumental music, song, storytelling, or dance. We’re looking for someone who can engage with students and contribute to our vibrant community, so align your skills with what we value!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Craft Inside Out
As a Traditional Artist in Residence, it's crucial to showcase your expertise in one or more traditional arts. Be prepared to discuss your experience with instrumental music, song, storytelling, or dance, and how these elements intertwine. Bring examples of your work that highlight your creativity and engagement with students.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Archives
Since you'll be interacting closely with the School of Scottish Studies Archives, take some time to explore their collections before the interview. Understanding the materials available will help you articulate how you can create new work from these resources and contribute to the university's outreach activities.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working alongside other creative professionals, so be ready to share examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you've engaged with different artists and how those experiences have enriched your practice. This will demonstrate your ability to work within a team and contribute to a vibrant artistic community.
✨Highlight Your Connections in the Arts World
Having established contacts in the local, national, and international arts scene is a big plus. Be prepared to talk about your network and how it can benefit the university. Mention any relevant partnerships or projects that could enhance the traditional arts programme and promote understanding across the university and beyond.
