Join our team

Freelance Weekend Programme Assistant — Artist in Residence & Workshop Programme

Contract: Freelance, project-based contract (initial 6 months, with possibility of extension) Hours: Varied, approximately 0–6 hours per week, primarily weekends. Programming dependent and dates and times set in agreement with assistantRate: £20 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for a creative, organised and adaptable individual to join our team as a freelance Programme Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic arts and cultural venue, supporting the delivery of our Artist in Residence and Workshop Programmes.

This role is primarily weekend-based and will suit someone who thrives in a creative environment, is comfortable working with artists and members of the public, and is eager to develop their experience within arts programming and production.

About us

Jelly is an energetic collaboration of artists supporting each other and the wider community; acting as a catalyst and making space for art in the everyday.

We support and develop visual artists and Reading’s arts sector, developing and improving pathways towards careers in the creative industries and providing freelance opportunities to professional artists

We advocate for artists, improving access to the arts and strengthening the opportunities for emerging and established artists, especially those who are underrepresented.

In 2023 we became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Managing Producer in the day-to-day delivery of the Artist in Residence programme and workshop programme
Act as Key Holder and host the venue space, ensuring a welcoming environment for artists, participants and visitors
Assist with workshop facilitation and provide on-the-ground support to artists and facilitators
Ensure all venue protocols, health & safety procedures and operational requirements are in place and adhered to.
Support the team in listing and promoting events across relevant platforms and channels
Act as a key point of contact during weekend programming, troubleshooting and problem-solving as needed

About You

A creative individual with a genuine passion for working in a creative environment — a specific background in visual arts is not essential, but enthusiasm for the sector is
Organised and resourceful, with excellent planning skills and effective time management
Able to prioritise a busy workload and work flexibly to a consistently high standard
A flexible and responsive approach, with a hard-working, enthusiastic and personable nature
A collaborative "can do" attitude, with a genuine enthusiasm for pitching in and problem-solving with the team
Adaptable and calm under pressure, able to respond to the needs of a busy programme
Experience in or enthusiasm for workshop facilitation is desirable
Experience of Health and Safety and Safeguarding procedures is desirable
Comfortable working with IT systems, with a willingness to learn the platforms and tools we use
Ambitious and keen to grow within a creative organisation
Comfortable working weekends as the primary working pattern
Comfortable working independently and using own initiative
As a freelancer you will need your own laptop and a phone you can use for the role

Pay & Our Approach to Value

Jelly operates a flat pay structure for all employees and freelancers, which we review regularly. We believe that massive pay disparities are unfair and can reinforce unhelpful hierarchies — we want everyone to feel equally involved and valued. At Jelly, we measure value not just economically but emotionally, intellectually and creatively. We are proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and pay everyone above the National Living Wage regardless of role.

Equal Opportunities

Jelly is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We actively encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the arts and cultural sector, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, disabled people, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Appointments are made on merit, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

How to Apply

Please apply by completing our Application Form using the link:

https://forms.gle/LEw4qxuD9wKqrzU56

We prefer applicants to complete a Jelly Application Form to aid with our selection procedures. However if this is not accessible for you please let us know so we can discuss a suitable alternative.

Contact: belong@jelly.org.uk

Deadline