Lead Creative Practitioner / Artist (Freelance)
Cheshire Dance Closing date: Thu, 03 Sep 2026
- Part time
- Under £10K
- Apply now
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
We would like to commission a high-quality artwork, or creative outcome, that is rooted in and responsive to Cheshire Dance's archive; which holds both physical documents and the organisation's rich, living and embodied heritage.
The commission will centre on collaboration and co-creation, inviting past and present communities to actively explore, contribute and re-imagine the heritage, stories and experiences of Cheshire Dance. In doing so, the artist will create a shared, collective experience that opens up the archive and engages audiences in meaningful and accessible ways during Cheshire Dance's 50th year.
We're open to a range of artforms and creative approaches - particularly those that place participation, dialogue, and artistic excellence at their heart.
As Cheshire Dance reaches its 50th Birthday it will celebrate its role as a pioneering community dance organisation, while recognising that the heritage of community dance is at risk of being lost. It intends to use this special anniversary to look forward as much as to reflect on the past. Through connecting with the rich community of individuals and practices that have shaped and formed the organisation over time, it aims to shine a light on the impact of community dance, the co-created body of knowledge and the learning that will shape the next 50 years.
Job Requirements
- An understanding of and interest in community dance
Knowledge of Intangible Heritage, Oral History and/or Community Collections
- Track record of gathering and sharing community stories
- Strong facilitation skills with experience of facilitating a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds
- Track record of creating high quality artistic work
- Experience in making accessible work
- Demonstrate Project Delivery experience
- Experienced in and enthusiastic about collaborative working
- Ability and willingness to travel to Winsford and across Cheshire West for workshops if/when needed
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Self-motivated, self-organised and able manage time appropriately
- Ability to work without direct supervision and take initiative
- Active commitment to equity, diversity and anti-racism
- ICT skills and confidence in using Microsoft Office
Job Responsibilities
- Explore the Cheshire Dance Archive (physical and digital)
- To design and deliver creative engagement sessions and encourage volunteering with the Cheshire Dance community; with the aim of gathering stories, reflections and perspectives on the organisation and its impact over the last 50 years
- Research and uncover new stories, whether they are in news articles or documents; or from conversations with members of Cheshire Dance community
- To work with the Digital Marketing Officer to engage the Cheshire Dance community
- Work with the NEXUS Young Leaders and Cheshire Dance Freelancers to explore the archive as an artistic starting point for choreography
- Curate stories, themes and threads emerging from the Cheshire Dance archive to tell a compelling story about the organisation in its 50th year
See full Role Brief in Job Pack
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Lead Creative Practitioner / Artist (Freelance)
- Salary: Under £10K
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Curation
- Contract: Hybrid
- Closing date: Thu, 03 Sep 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsNorth West
Job: Lead Creative Practitioner / Artist (Freelance)
Job: Lead Creative Practitioner / Artist (Freelance)
Organisation: Cheshire Dance
Postcode: CW7 2AS
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit a CV and an expression of interest. Your CV and expression of interest should include:
An Expression of Interest outlining your approach to the commission and relevant previous experience (written or video)
A indication of how you would use the budget/days available
A CV that clearly outlines your experience, skills and knowledge of delivering creative projects
Examples of previous work (could be website link, PDF, video)
Two references that we can contact
Please send the above to [email protected] with the email subject as ‘APPLICATION 50 Years in Motion’
Cheshire Dance particularly welcomes expressions of interest from under-represented groups in dance and the arts. We will publish the interview questions and welcome conversations with enquirers in advance. We can support applicant’s access needs in attending their interview.
Deadline: 3rd September 2026, 5pm
- Contact name: Jane McLean (Creative Director)
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Cheshire Dance
Cheshire Dance creates opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to access dance and to use the art form to live healthier and happier lives. From delivering dance classes in the community, to providing professional development & training to emerging artists and hosting events and festivals, we seek to remove inequalities and co-create opportunity to experience the power of dance.