Trainee Producers Opportunity 2025
Paid student work placement: £13.85 p/hr (London Living Wage)
Application deadline: 4th February 2025
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled in the UK
Visit Art Fund's 'Student Art Pass' website to submit an application.
Following our successful Student Fellowship programme 2023/24, Cell Project Space has teamed up with Art Fund for a second year and is seeking two students enrolled in full-time UK education passionate about contemporary art and eager to gain hands-on experience in gallery operations to work with us as a Trainee Producer. As part of our small, dynamic team, Trainee Producers will receive foundational training in exhibition production, management, and communications, equipping them with the practical skills required to thrive in the art world.
This seven-month structured programme provides an exceptional opportunity to work closely with a small, critically focused contemporary art organisation. Trainees will actively engage in all aspects of gallery operations, from supporting the delivery of exhibitions and events to enhancing audience engagement. They will also apply their experience, networks, academic skills, and research practices to support Cell Project Space’s exhibition and public programmes, and contribute a fresh perspective to our artistic community.
Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, Trainee Producers will demonstrate their progress by mediating our exhibitions to the public through organising and planning tailored events. This is a unique chance to translate your research, skills, and interests into meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. If you are ready to build a solid foundation for your career in the arts and make a difference in the UK contemporary art landscape, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Cell Project Space team!
Cell Project Space’s experienced gallery team provides training in the following key areas:
- Visitor Experience: Build skills in liaising with diverse audiences, partners, and professionals within the gallery setting.
- Digital Skills: Take part in tailor-made mentoring sessions focused on utilising digital software and content management systems.
- Marketing & Communications: Learn to produce effective and impactful writing tailored to various media platforms.
- Art Handling Skills: Learn Health & Safety protocols and gain practical knowledge of using basic manual and electrical tools and equipment for installations.
- Professional Time Management: Enhance workplace communication, teamwork, planning, and timekeeping skills.
- Governance & Organisational Policy: Gain insight into policies on equality, inclusion, and diversity in the arts sector.
Additionally, each Trainee Producer will benefit from dedicated appraisal and mentoring sessions with a member of Cell’s curatorial staff, who will provide guidance on career development and progression pathways in the visual arts industry.
What you will be doing
- Supporting the day-to-day operations of a critically relevant arts organisation.
- Assisting the exhibition production, organisation and curatorial decision-making to broaden your knowledge about roles within the arts sector.
- Applying the industry standard technical software to develop communication and administration skills.
- Learning logistics, presentation skills and art handling protocol for exhibition installation.
- Engaging with a range of arts professionals and artists on Cell’s 2025 programme, which offers opportunity to widen your networks.
- Producing an out-reach project for public or/and online audiences, supporting the mediation of our exhibitions and public programmes.
Desirable Attributes
- Focus, practical skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for exploring a wide range of research areas.
- The passion for translating research into practice, aligned with a clear career ambition in a contemporary visual arts context.
- A proactive attitude towards contributing to decision-making processes and offering fresh perspectives to enhance Cell’s programming.
- Confidence in articulating your interest in contemporary art and/or enthusiasm for developing cultural projects that resonate effectively with audiences.
- Willingness to present ideas formally to small peer groups and visitors, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills.
- A keen eye for detail and a readiness to engage in practical tasks at various levels.
- A commitment to representing Cell Project Space as an ambassador, learning and applying strategies to connect your network with the organisation.
Other candidate information
- Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Cell Project Space’s activities. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to extending this ethos to how they interact with artists, their colleagues, our external partners and the general public.
- The role is specifically dedicated to full-time UK-based enrolled students. You must be able to provide evidence of your current UK student status to be eligible.
- You are encouraged to apply if you are from a low-income background, where seeking employment is essential to supporting your studies. Cell Project Space is committed to bridging diversity gaps in the sector for low income, BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA individuals.
Hourly commitment and pay
The Trainee Producers' 7-month work placement begins on 20th February with students required to work one day per week (7 hours per day) during gallery opening hours and up to 3 days per week during install periods. This work is paid at £13.85 per hour (London Living Wage). Trainees will be expected to support the production and installation of a total of three public exhibitions. Additional scheduled days can be allocated for producer-led activities development.
Generously supported by Student Art Pass
