Spaces Co-ordinator

We are seeking a Spaces Co-ordinator to support artists' development and emerging artist networks in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.

About Us:

Outer Spaces is building a new infrastructure for the arts in Scotland. We provide free meanwhile studio and project space in vacant commercial property for artists, art collectives and groups and art organisations. Our programmes have been designed to respond to their needs and the changing shape of Scotland’s recovery post pandemic.

The response to both our programme and our growing list of available spaces has been overwhelming – we now support over 600 resident artists and groups in 60 spaces in 13 local authority areas. Our spaces are currently located in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Newton Mearns, Perth, and Stirling in busy urban centres, out of town commuter hinterlands, post-industrial places and communities devastated first by austerity, then Brexit and Covid and now impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

Our spaces are rent free. By offering a studio or workspace for free, Outer Spaces is removing an artist’s highest professional monthly cost and this is vitally important now during the cost-of-living crisis when artist’s incomes are being squeezed. We need to ensure artists, especially at an early stage of their career can access spaces, a network of peers, and opportunities to work with other artists and engage with audiences.

The Role:

This role is designed to support artists’ development. The Spaces Co-ordinator will work closely with the team to support artists and emerging networks in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. They will be responsible for existing spaces and the set up and occupation of new spaces.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Building Co-ordination

• Building Inspections: visit our existing portfolio on a regular basis to ensure all spaces are tidy, organised and being used appropriately
• Health & Safety: co-ordinate policy and ensure compliance
• Security and access: maintain controls for each space
• External relationships: co-ordinate external contractor visits & liaise with agents as required
• Emergency Contact: for landlords, resident artists, contractors, and the Outer Spaces team

Artist support

• Building viewings: support viewings for interested artists/groups/partners and match them to appropriate spaces in our buildings, in line with conditions of use
• Applications: support the application process with artists requiring space
• Artist records: support procedures and maintenance of the resident artists database
• Building inductions: deliver inductions for artists prior to entry
• Building issues: be the main point of contact for artists and respond to issues
• Occupancy plan: maintain an accurate record of resident artists occupying each space
• Projects: support artist-led activity and events
• Partnerships: develop new and manage existing relationships with partners

Spaces Set-up

• New property viewings: viewing prospective properties; completing property information form and reporting back on suitability for the programme
• Risk Assessments: conduct assessments and fire evacuation plans for new properties and make them available for artists
• Contractor liaison: co-ordinate necessary servicing, maintenance and repairs
• Property set-up & record keeping: co-ordinate and record all access and security arrangements, H&S maintenance and testing requirements, building signage, condition checks, meter readings, and Health & Safety measures for properties

Other

• Liaison: maintain regular contact with the team and communicate progress along the way
• Spaces Set-up: travel is an essential part of the job and you may be asked to travel to and work in other locations in Scotland as required
• Other tasks: undertake any other tasks that might reasonably be seen as falling within the remit of Operations Co-ordinator

Job Requirements:

Essential

• Experience of working in a studio, venue or other arts building
• Experience of working in a team
• Excellent people skills and an ability to build relationships internally and externally
• Adaptable and flexible
• Resourceful, with the ability to take the initiative and work independently, collaboratively and autonomously
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• An understanding of the arts and artist’s practices

Desired

• Car owner and driver
• Property management experience
• Knowledge of Health & Safety

Terms & Conditions:

Salary: £27,800 per annum

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week

Holidays: 33 days including statutory holidays

Contract: Permanent

Notice period: One month (employer and employee)

Reporting to: Head of Operations

How to apply

Please email your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to submissions@outerspaces.org. Please use the heading 'SPACES CO-ORDINATOR ROLE' in your email subject heading.

We are committed to building inclusivity and diversity within our team and artist network. We encourage candidates who are underrepresented within the arts sector to apply for this post. If there are any adjustments that would help support you in your application, please do get in touch.

Deadline: 10am on Monday 13th May 2024 (we cannot accept late applications).