Happy Festive Opportunity Tuesday!
20 December 2022
As you may have seen, a Guardian article came out last week which stated the number of people in the creative industries who are from a working class background has fallen by 50% since 1970, to under 8% today. As part of that 8% growing up, I’m not surprised but I am gutted. I don’t have time to delve deep into it this week (look out for that in 2023!) but for now I just wanted to send solidarity to anyone struggling. It’s a stark landscape for everyone right now, and it’s so much harder when you don’t have a cushion. I hope there’s something in this list for you this week, and I hope you’re able to give yourself a well-earned break and rest this festive season.
On a brighter note, I just got home from hosting a Festive Family Disco, during which one parent said “it’s like you’ve put on a wedding reception, but just for kids”. I love my weird, weird job!!
OppTues will be taking a little break for the next two weeks, but will be back with bells on from 10 January 2023. Have a good one and see you in the new year :)
Some other cool stuff to check out this week:
The main reason my intro is so short this week is because I need to finish by 9pm to watch The Traitors, which tbh I can’t stop thinking about. They’ve made a simple drama game into a WILD reality TV show and it’s incredible. Hard recommend.
To reduce access barriers for freelance writers in broadcasting, film, theatre, publishing and the videogames industry, WGGB have launched a Writers’ Access Rider and associated guidance.
Artsjobs has had a facelift and it is so much nicer to use! Enjoy!
There’s been some kind, welcome and promising, news from funders this week, with a few core funders such as Esmee Fairbairn and PHF uplifting grants to recognise and account for cost of living rises. Let’s hope others follow suit.
Now, on with the show…
Happy Opportunity Tuesday!
Every Tuesday I share 10 #artsopps, commissions, residencies, open calls and applications closing soon.
Always PAID (or free/cheap for training) and for a range of artists: emerging to mid-career, from 16 to 80+.
Here are this week’s…
For theatre companies:
Apply for the Pleasance Theatre Reserve to get £10k towards the cost of presenting a fully produced show at Edinburgh Fringe 2023!
DEADLINE: MON 16 JAN
For aspiring critics:
Take part in a FREE 8-week development programme with the Dance Art Journal to learn about different approaches to writing about art. The programme culminates in a paid writing commission for each participant and a networking event.
DEADLINE: SUN 22 JAN
For outdoor artists:
Apply for a Delegate Bursary to attend the Outdoor Arts UK Conference in Bradford in February. There is a newcomers bursary for early-career artists, or a financial access bursary. Both include travel, dinner, hotel and conference ticket.
DEADLINE: TUE 3 JAN
For young dancers:
Barbican Theatre Plymouth are looking for 4-6 dancers aged 17+ to co-create and perform trios with younger dancers (ages 12-15). Any style welcome, paid £10 per hour.
DEADLINE: FRI 13 JAN
For visual artists:
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) are looking for an artist to lead a series of creative wellbeing workshops themed around nature and healing. £2500 fee.
DEADLINE: MON 23 JAN
For female performers from the Global Majority:
Join Utopia Theatre for development of a new piece of community ensemble theatre co-created with a non-professional cast. Paid £500 per week.
DEADLINE: TUE 10 JAN
For Yorkshire-based creatives:
The restoration of the front of Skipton Town Hall (on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales) includes the refurbishment of two red telephone boxes that have stood at the main entrance to the building for over 60 years: create an exhibition or installation in the phone boxes which celebrates local history, creativity, and community! £2000 fee plus equipment/materials and installation costs.
DEADLINE: FRI 13 JAN
For actor musicians:
Concrete Youth are looking for people to join the UK tour of To The Moon And Back in March and April. Paid £600 per week plus accommodation, travel and per diems while touring.
DEADLINE: TUE 10 JAN
For producers:
Work with Counterpoints Arts to produce Refugee Week 2023, which will be the festival's 25th anniversary. Six month freelance contract, 3 days per week. £10,800 fee.
DEADLINE: SUN 15 JAN
For designers:
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust are looking for a talented designer to work with them to create a series of seasonal trails using a famous and beloved UK illustrator’s images!
DEADLINE: FRI 20 JAN
That’s it for this week!
Really hope it’s useful. It’s a tough time for artists (and, well, everyone) at the mo so please look after each other out there. Please let me know if you’re successful with your applications, and as always if you enjoy Opportunity Tuesday please share to help us reach the folks who need it most. I started it to try to level the playing field a bit, and every little helps.
Opportunity Tuesday will always be free to access, but if you can afford to chip in a little something to support me to keep it going, that would be hugely appreciated - just click the button below to support with £1 per week. (I’m freelance too!)
Thank you for your support, and I have my fingers and toes crossed for you. Good luck!
P.S. The part you’ve all been waiting for - Mabel says hi (from the bath)…
Please note: Inclusion in #OpportunityTuesday is not endorsement. I look far and wide for the most interesting and exciting paid opportunities I can find, and though I do my best to make sure they’re legit, I don’t always know the organisations well. If you have an issue with something on the list, please get in touch with the relevant organisation. You are very welcome to send me opportunities to include, but please note I will not be able to respond to every request, and I do not guarantee inclusion in the list - each week is curated to be varied and relevant. Thanks!