Artistic Programmer

Job Summary

Working closely with the Town Hall & Arts Centre Manager, the Artistic Programmer will lead the day-to-day development and coordination of a diverse, inclusive, engaging and financially sustainable artistic programme across Bridgwater Arts Centre and Bridgwater Town Hall Theatre.

Job Description

Artistic Programming:
Develop and maintain a diverse, high-quality programme of live performance, entertainment and cultural activity across both venues.

Research and identify artists, performers, productions, touring companies and creative opportunities appropriate to Bridgwater audiences.

Artist, Agent & Promoter Relationships:
Build and maintain strong professional relationships with artists, agents, promoters, producers, touring companies and cultural organisations.
Act as a key contact for artistic programming enquiries, bookings and opportunities.

Booking & Commercial Management:
Manage the programming process from initial research and enquiry through to agreed booking.
Liaise and negotiate with artists, agents and promoters regarding availability, fees, guarantees, ticket-sale splits and other booking terms.

Audience Development & Marketing:
Use ticketing data, attendance, audience feedback and previous event performance to inform future programming.
Identify opportunities to develop existing audiences and attract new audiences.

Operational Delivery:
Work collaboratively with the Deputy Arts Centre Manager, Bookings Officer, technical teams and other colleagues to ensure programmed activity can be delivered effectively.
Consider technical requirements, venue capacity, staffing, scheduling and accessibility when assessing potential bookings.

Monitoring, Partnerships & Development:
Monitor and evaluate programme performance using ticket sales, attendance, income, audience feedback and relevant market intelligence.
Use evaluation findings to inform future programming recommendations and service development.

SCP 24 - £36,581 FTE, pro rata 20 Hours per week
Applications must be received by 02.10.26 - 17:00
Interviews will be held on 12.10.26 and/or 13.10.26

Job Requirements

Essential Experience & Knowledge
Demonstrable experience of programming, booking, producing or coordinating live performance, entertainment, arts or cultural activity.
Experience of working with artists, agents, promoters, producers or touring companies.
Good knowledge and understanding of the live performance, entertainment or cultural sector.
Experience of negotiating fees, bookings or commercial arrangements.
Experience of working with budgets and assessing the financial viability of events or programming.
Understanding of the relationship between programming, audiences, marketing and ticket sales.
Understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility within arts and cultural activity.
Essential Skills & Abilities
Strong artistic and creative judgement.
Commercial awareness and the ability to balance artistic ambition with audience demand, community benefit and financial sustainability.
Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-management

Job Responsibilities

Carry out duties in accordance with Bridgwater Town Council policies, procedures and delegated authority.
Ensure no contractual or financial commitment is entered into without appropriate authority.
Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility within programming.
Support the Council's environmental and sustainability objectives.
Take reasonable care for health and safety and work with operational colleagues to identify and manage relevant risks.
Represent Bridgwater Town Council professionally when working with artists, agents, promoters, partners and members of the community.
Maintain accurate records and appropriately manage confidential and commercially sensitive information.
Work flexibly where required, including occasional evening and weekend activity associated with performances, showcases and sector events.
Undertake other duties reasonably required and commensurate with the nature and level of the post.

Job Overview

Job Title: Artistic Programmer
Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
Hours: Part time
Artform: Performing arts
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Fri, 02 Oct 2026
Location:

South West

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Job: Artistic Programmer

Organisation: Bridgwater Town Council

Postcode: TA6 3BL

How to Apply

To apply for this role and request an application form, please email: [email protected]

Contact name: HR
Contact email: [email protected]

About Bridgwater Town Council

Bridgwater Town Council is a large and active organisation with a broad range of responsibilities that reflect the scale and diversity of our town. With a £4m+ budget, a multi-disciplinary workforce and a growing portfolio of community assets and frontline services, we play a central role in supporting Bridgwater’s environment, cultural life and community wellbeing.

Find out more