At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the planning and delivery of exciting artistic programmes and exhibitions.
- Company: Join Spike Island, a vibrant arts organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a chance to work with talented artists.
- Other info: Maternity cover contract with potential for extension and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in the arts community.
- Qualifications: Proven technical experience in gallery settings and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Spike Island’s team as Senior Technician, Artistic Programme (Maternity Cover). The Senior Technician (Artistic Programme) will contribute to the planning, coordination and delivery of Spike Island’s programme, supporting the technical production of exhibitions, commissions and events.
We are looking for someone with proven technical experience in gallery or arts settings, who can confidently manage exhibition installs, oversee freelance technicians and contractors, and maintain high standards of art handling, fabrication and health & safety. This is a varied, hands‑on role requiring strong technical knowledge, excellent organisational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with artists and curators to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring that Spike Island’s artistic programme is delivered efficiently, safely and to an exceptional standard. This role is offered as a maternity cover contract for a minimum of 11 months, with the possibility of extension up to one year. The role is based on‑site at Spike Island, with occasional remote working available.
Normal working hours are 28 hours per week, Tuesday to Friday, between 9am–5pm, with occasional evening and weekend work required according to the programme. Hours to increase to full time (35hrs) per week during exhibition changeover periods (three weeks per three seasons a year).
Spike Island is a Disability Confident Committed employer. We offer guaranteed interviews to applicants who meet the essential criteria for this role who identify as having a disability. Spike Island values equity, diversity and inclusion, and is committed to anti‑racism and to addressing inequality in the arts sector. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, come from disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds and/or people of the Global Majority.
Senior Technician (Artistic Programme) (Maternity Contract) in Bristol employer: Visual Arts South West
Spike Island is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about the arts. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills while contributing to meaningful artistic projects. The role of Senior Technician offers flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work closely with artists and curators in a vibrant cultural setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technician (Artistic Programme) (Maternity Contract) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the arts sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your technical expertise and past projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations like Spike Island and express your interest in working with them. A friendly email can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its artistic programme. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, and don’t forget to ask insightful questions that show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technician (Artistic Programme) (Maternity Contract) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your technical experience in gallery or arts settings. We want to see how you've managed exhibition installs and worked with freelance technicians, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Organised:This role requires excellent organisational skills, so give us a glimpse of how you keep projects on track. Share examples of how you've delivered projects on schedule and within budget – we love a good success story!
Collaborate Like a Pro:Since you'll be working closely with artists and curators, let us know about your collaborative experiences. Tell us how you’ve worked together to achieve amazing results – teamwork makes the dream work!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visual Arts South West
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to gallery and arts settings. Be ready to discuss your experience with exhibition installs, art handling, and health & safety protocols. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Think about times when you coordinated with artists or curators to deliver projects on time and within budget. This will demonstrate your ability to keep everything running smoothly at Spike Island.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated with freelance technicians or contractors, highlighting how you maintained high standards while working together.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Understand that this role may require occasional evening and weekend work. Show your willingness to adapt to changing schedules, especially during exhibition changeovers. This flexibility is key to ensuring the artistic programme runs efficiently and effectively.
