Freelance Festival Producer

Freelance Festival Producer

Cryptic Glasgow Closing date: Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Artform: Festival
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
Scotland

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Description

Cryptic is looking for an experienced and dynamic Freelance Festival Producer to deliver Sonica Glasgow 2026, Scotland's leading 11-day biennial festival of audiovisual art and experimental music.

For over a decade, Sonica has presented pioneering work at the intersection of sound, image and architecture, transforming venues across Glasgow into immersive environments that challenge and inspire audiences.

Sonica's Mission: To present today's finest, most imaginative audiovisual artists, whilst nurturing the creative talent of tomorrow, engaging & inspiring audiences locally, nationally & internationally.

Working with the Executive Producer and Artistic Director, the Freelance Festival Producer will be responsible for leading the planning and delivery of Sonica Glasgow 2026 - managing all aspects of festival delivery from pre-production to post-event overseeing budgets, staffing, logistics, and operations to ensure a high-quality, safe and smooth-running festival.

Festival dates are 24 September - 4 October 2026.

This is a 6 month contract running from April - October 2026.

3 days per week from 13 April - 31 May (18 days). FT from 1 June - 4 October (90 days) and 3 days per week from 5 - 30 October (12 days).

Fee: £46,000 - £48,000 per annum pro rata.

Usual office hours are 9.30am - 6.00pm

For further information please visit https://www.cryptic.org.uk/work-with-us-freelance-festival-producer/

Deadline 12 noon on Wednesday 1 April 2026
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Job Requirements

Essential
At least 5 years' experience of leading and inspiring a team in delivering large-scale, multi-venue arts projects and events;
Experience of managing large budgets, within budget;
Experience of event management and production planning, security, health and safety etc and working with a wide range of external contractors, partners, Local Authorities and other bodies;
A passion for the performing arts and a commitment to achieving artistic excellence and fantastic audience experiences;
Ability to represent the organisation effectively across a range of contexts;
Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills;
Team player with a consistent positive attitude;
Ability to meet demanding targets within tight deadlines, working under pressure with ever shifting priorities;
Self motivated and pro-active;
Ability to think creatively and problem solve.
Desirable
Experience of work with diverse communities;
Clean driving licence.

Job Responsibilities

Work with the Executive Producer and Artistic Director to manage and monitor the festival budgets;
Maintain clear, efficient financial and project administrative systems, including event planning and delivery documentation, schedules, contracts, RAMS etc;
Ensure all work is delivered in line with Cryptic's policies and procedures;
Oversee the development and delivery of the volunteer and public engagement programmes and planning of the Sonica PRO programme;
Identifying staffing requirements across the festival and overseeing recruitment,
Overseeing food concessions and bars, working with the Venue and Events teams at festival venues;
Attending site visits, regular budget / production meetings online and in person;
Support the marketing and promotion of festival activity;
Contribute to the development of evaluation framework for the festival;
Assist with post festival admin and reporting;
Any other duties reasonably commensurate with this role.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Freelance Festival Producer
  • Salary: £40k-£50k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Festival
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Location: Scotland | view on Google Maps

Job: Freelance Festival Producer

Job: Freelance Festival Producer

Organisation: Cryptic Glasgow

Postcode: G5 0YX

How to Apply

To apply for this role please send your CV along with a cover letter of no more than two A4 pages outlining your suitability for this role to our Executive Producer, Claire Moran:
Email: [email protected]