FACT is searching for an arts-focused technical producer to support their new Studio/Lab programme and space. Studio/Lab is a digital art production and workspace that will become a hub for a creative community of artists, curators, researchers and participants at FACT. The space will launch a public membership programme in early 2024.
The ideal candidate will have excellent technical skills, a keen willingness to learn and be excited about working with artists: supporting them to develop new work and helping to equip them with the skills necessary to navigate working within digital art.
What To Expect
This is an opportunity for an arts-focused technical producer to support FACT Liverpool’s new Studio/Lab programme and space. Working with the Studio/Lab Manager and another part-time Producer focused on Artist Development, they will help to support a growing community of artists to explore the possibilities of digital art. Their role will be to create the best possible space for technical experimentation at the heart of FACT – encouraging artists to explore the use of new creative tools and develop their digital practice. The successful candidate will also input into the design and delivery of a skills and practice development programme from a technical perspective.
Within this role, there will be the opportunity to work alongside early career and established artists, curators and researchers, as well as oversee the technical production and delivery of talks, workshops, performances, and networking and social events. This is the perfect chance to understand how technical roles within artist-centred organisations work and to have significant input into the launch and strategic development of a new digitally-focused project.
Some of the areas you will help to support through Studio/Lab include: audio production; digital production (Blendr, Maya, Cinema4D, After Effects); film production and installation; work in XR (including virtual and augmented reality) and Web 3.0 projects; and use of creative technology (i.e. Arduino, RaspberryPi, 3D printers) etc. We are also thinking about how immersive technologies might add to FACT’s programme, and how to support North West-based artists to experiment with these critically.
You can see what equipment we currently have available here.
Please note, due to the nature of this role (including lots of face-to-face work with our growing artist community) the candidate should be based in the North West.
Deliverables / Expectations
- Working 3 days per week – usually Wed, Thu, Fri with some weekend cover also expected
- Temporary 12-month fixed term contract, open to extension
- Be responsible for Studio/Lab’s technology, including its maintenance, making sure we have the necessary equipment to support emerging artists across a diverse range of practices
- Maintain the physical Studio/Lab space, having an overview of room and equipment bookings and use, including general upkeep of the space and preparing equipment for events
- Maintenance of equipment and software licences
- Lead on the technical delivery of Studio/Lab events including performances, talks, presentations and workshops (both online and in-person)
- Work with the Studio/Lab team to design and deliver induction sessions for both staff and new artist members, supporting them to use technology in the Lab
- Support resident artists’ use of the space by being available to act as an advisor on their work where appropriate, either in a technical or production capacity, including identifying which freelance skills they might require to realise their work and liaising with them
- Working with external technicians to meet deadlines and support the development of residency artists’ work for public presentation in exhibitions or events
- Troubleshoot the technical needs of any members or staff using technical equipment in Studio/Lab
- In collaboration with the Studio/Lab team, deliver community socials, open days, and workshops
- Ensuring risk assessments for all spaces are updated regularly and following Health & Safety, and safeguarding procedures
- Ensure FACT’s new ‘artist portal’ section of the website is updated regularly with the progress of residents and profiles of the Studio/Lab members
Eligibility
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Excellent technical skills (see above for a quick technical overview), as well as a willingness to learn new skills, and train others
- Demonstrable knowledge and technical skill within the field of digital art, or digital culture
- Based in the North West, ideally in or around Liverpool
- Excellent verbal communication skills: able to meet with and train new people, and have in-depth conversations with artists about their work
- A creative, problem-solving approach
- Ability to balance multiple deadlines and priorities
- Ability to organise calendars and booking systems, and communicate workload effectively
DESIRABLE (NOT ESSENTIAL) SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Be an active participant in the field of contemporary art
- Previous knowledge of, or experience working with artistic communities
- Ability to document workshops and events (either as film, audio or through written documents)
- Working knowledge of the cultural scene in Liverpool (for example this could be through visual art, music, dance, socially engaged arts, tech or research)
- Any experience in website management or design
- Commitment to inclusion and supporting the diverse and intersectional needs of individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and contexts
How To Apply
FACT Liverpool is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.
To apply, please complete the following two forms:
Upload your CV and Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages each if in written format). We accept word/pdf documents, video or audio files. Please label the attached files as: Your Name_CV/CoverLetter_Job Title.
Closing date: Thursday 4 January 2024, 23:59.
FACT is committed to providing equal access to everyone, so if you require any adjustments or help with the application or interview process, please contact: recruitment@fact.co.uk
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
FACT Liverpool cares about diversity in the workplace and sector. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly from candidates who have Black, Asian or Global Ethnic Majority heritage, who identify as disabled, LGBTQIA+, and/or who are from lower socio-economic backgrounds. You can read our policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: fact.co.uk/edi
DISABILITY CONFIDENT EMPLOYER
We are proud to be a disability confident employer which is a government scheme supporting employers in ensuring disabled people, and those with long term health conditions, are able reach their full potential within their organisation. The scheme will help us to ensure we are doing our very best in increasing our reach when recruiting and giving as many people as possible the opportunity to be a part of our team. All candidates will be asked if they wish to declare a disability on the application form for a vacancy at FACT Liverpool. You can read our Disability Confident Commitments in more detail here: fact.co.uk/disabilityc
For more information, to download the recruitment pack and apply, visit https://www.fact.co.uk/news/2023/12/opportunity-studio-lab-producer-technology