The main roles of the producer will be to:
- Oversee works to make ready the meanwhile studio space, a pilot for a new contemporary dance space for the city, supported by the Executive Producer and wider Dancefest Team
- Plan and deliver an industry focused programme of activity which explores the co-creation of work with community performers. This programme of work will take place over two separate days, the first focusing on either inclusive working or work with older dancers and the second focusing on outdoor work. It is proposed that each day involves 2 lead Artists and 24 participants, with the format including:
A 45 minute chaired discussion/interview with the two Lead Artists, to be made available online; Each Lead Artist giving a presentation about their work and considerations around co-creation and working with community performers, also to be made available online; 2 practical workshops – each Lead Artist leads a workshop exploring their approach; A facilitated Q&A
- Identify, recruit and contract Artists to take part in the above industry focused programme (some work has begun around this which will be shared on appointment)
- Produce and project manage the mini commission. This is a commission for an independent Artist/Company (confirmed, name will be shared on appointment) for a small/medium scale, after dark, piece with c.25 Community Performers to be performed three times outdoors, at Worcester’s Victorian Fayre, at Worcester’s Light Night and at one other event (tbc). This piece will be created over four days with at least one Dancefest Dance Leader connected to the project for whom this will also be a CPD opportunity.
- Work with Dance Development Team to coordinate classes within the Meanwhile Studio Space
- Work with Dancefest’s Marketing Manager to deliver against project marketing and comms strategy including design and spec for external branding and comms at meanwhile site, promotion of Industry focused days and promotion of mini commission, marketing materials, such as branded gazebos, to help with raising the profile of Dancefest during outdoor performances and support in the marketing and communication of related activities
- Monitor and manage project budget (c. £62k) reporting regularly to Executive Producer and Finance Manager
- Lead on the monitoring and evaluation of all related activities, working with an independent evaluator to devise appropriate methods to collate data, document and share learning and to achieve the reporting requirements of Dance Hub Birmingham, as investors
- Oversee stakeholder events and activities in the meanwhile space
Work with the Executive Producer to raise additional match funding against the project (this is a supporting role rather than a responsibility for the Producer)
- Support Dancefest in the planning and delivery of other programmes and projects, where capacity allows.
Doing this work will allow Dancefest to bring leading artists to Worcester and to the region, providing inspiration and CPD to both emerging and established regional Artists. It will raise Dancefest’s profile as a strategic leader in the development of work with community performers and as producers of outdoor work, and support the development of the team. The pilot studio will allow Dancefest to test the model, engage stakeholders and gather evidence to support the case for a permanent studio space in the city.
We are looking for a confident, ambitious individual who:
- Has a good understanding of the dance and wider arts sector, with relevant contacts and connections
- Is good at rapport building and strategic partnership development. We are looking for a strong advocate and someone who can inspire others
- Can work independently to a brief, knowing when to reach out for further advice and support from the wider team
- Has excellent project management and coordination skills, including working with budgets
- Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Has experience in producing and/or presenting outdoor work, with an awareness of licensing and health and safety requirements
- Has experience in monitoring and evaluating work
- Has experience of working with choreographers, artists and external evaluators
- Has an Enhanced DBS
- Works inclusively and shares the values of Dancefest
- Is conscientious, committed to best practice, and has a positive outlook
- Has sufficient availability within the time period required.
Joining Dancefest at an exciting time of change, this will be a brilliant opportunity for the right candidate, who will be well supported by the friendly, enthusiastic, committed and ambitious team.
Dancefest encourages applications from those who are likely to be underrepresented in the arts. These include people from who are Black, Asian, from the Global Majority, D/deaf, disabled, LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent.