SIDEQUEST is looking for Support Artists!!!

We’re growing our pool of Support Artists - people who can join SIDEQUEST’s core artists as they make ambitious, playful and sometimes unpredictable work in public space in Hartlepool, across the Tees Valley and the North East. 

Our projects happen out in the world - on streets, in neighbourhoods and alongside communities. You might find yourself supporting work with Lads, children and young people, community groups or members of the public who hadn’t expected to encounter art that day.

What is a Support Artist?

Support Artists help create the conditions for the work to happen well.

Depending on the project, you might:

• Support a lead artist to deliver creative activity

• Welcome people in and help them feel comfortable taking part

• Work directly with children, young people or community participants

• Help hold a safe, positive and inclusive space

• Respond calmly when public-space projects take an unexpected turn

• Notice what - or who - needs attention

• Offer practical, creative and emotional support to the wider team

• Occasionally step forward, improvise and become part of the work

We’re looking for people with their own instincts who understand how to support another artist’s vision without needing to be at the centre of it.

Who we’d like to hear from

You might be an artist, new graduate, facilitator, performer, youth worker, producer, community practitioner - or someone whose experience doesn’t fit neatly into a box.

You’ll probably be:

• Warm, observant and good with people

• Comfortable working outdoors and in public

• Adaptable when plans change

• Playful, generous and ready to get involved

• Confident working as part of a team

• Able to hold clear professional boundaries

• Committed to access, inclusion and safeguarding

Experience working with communities, lads, children or young people is valuable. We’re interested in people with different backgrounds, perspectives, languages, skills and lived experiences.

Some projects may require an enhanced DBS check. We’ll make the requirements clear for each opportunity.

Fees

Some of the gigs we have are best for a new graduate, whilst some are paid closer to Union rates. As we often work in community settings, sometimes the fees aren’t amazing, but we’re always up-front about how much we have and who the role was designed for - and we won’t be mad if you say no! This is a freelance role, paid on invoice, but we can talk you through that process.

Interested?

Send us a short introduction telling us:

• Who you are and where you’re based

• What kind of creative you are

• Any relevant experience

• What interests you about supporting SIDEQUEST projects

• A link to some form of work that you’ve done previously, whether paid

• Any access requirements you’d like us to know about

Contact aaron@sidequestwastaken.com with the subject line Support Artist.

We’re a diverse-led organisation, so anyone who’s ever felt othered will find a home with us!