At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage creatively in traditional arts and promote them across the university.
- Company: University of Edinburgh, a vibrant and diverse community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the traditional arts while inspiring students.
- Qualifications: Expertise in traditional arts and proven collaborative skills.
The predicted salary is between 34610 - 39906 € per year.
UE06: £34,610.00 - £39,906.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences / School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures / Celtic and Scottish Studies.
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, and working closely with colleagues in the Centre for Research Collections, 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 Sep 26. 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 of the 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 in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment for the Traditional Artist in Residence role, where creativity thrives within a diverse international community. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to equality and diversity, making it an excellent place for professional growth and meaningful engagement with traditional arts. With flexible working options and a supportive culture, this position allows for a rewarding balance between artistic practice and academic collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Traditional Artist in Residence in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow artists, professors, and anyone in the traditional arts scene. Attend events, workshops, or even online forums to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create a portfolio that highlights your skills in instrumental music, song, storytelling, or dance. Share it on social media or your own website to attract attention from potential collaborators and employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the University of Edinburgh or other institutions you’re interested in. Express your passion for traditional arts and how you can contribute to their programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Traditional Artist in Residence in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Artistic Flair:When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your experience in the traditional arts. We want to see your passion for instrumental music, song, storytelling, or dance shine through. Share specific examples of your work and how you've engaged with students or communities.
Connect with Our Values:Take a moment to reflect on how your values align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We love seeing candidates who are not only skilled but also passionate about promoting understanding of traditional arts across different communities. Let us know how you can contribute to this mission!
Be Organised and Clear:Your written application should be well-structured and easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to organise your thoughts logically. Use headings or bullet points if it helps convey your message better. Remember, first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Craft Inside Out
As a Traditional Artist in Residence, it's crucial to showcase your expertise in the traditional arts. Brush up on your skills in instrumental music, song, storytelling, and dance. Be ready to discuss how you can creatively engage students and promote these art forms within the university.
✨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 beforehand. Understanding the ethnological materials will help you demonstrate how you can incorporate them into your work and teaching.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working alongside other creative professionals, so be prepared to share examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you've successfully engaged with others in the arts community and how you plan to foster meaningful connections at the university.
✨Showcase Your Network
Having established connections in the traditional arts performance world is key. Be ready to talk about your contacts and how they can benefit the university. This could include potential guest artists, workshops, or outreach opportunities that enhance the university's engagement with the traditional arts.
