Freelance Heritage Potter / Clay Facilitator

LEVEL Centre are seeking a Freelance Heritage Potter/Clay Facilitator to develop and deliver a twelve week workshop programme as part of the "Water and Wellbeing" project, a two-year funded programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is being led by LEVEL Centre. The chosen facilitator will work with LEVEL Centre's Youth Collective, our creative group for young people aged 13 - 18 years who are neurodivergent, have autism or ADHD. The workshops will provide a creative and supportive environment and foster social connections through meaningful experiences. Participants will learn about the heritage of Ashford Black Marble and explore their artistic abilities using clay to make 21st century interpretations.

The role requires a person with substantial practical experience of pottery/clay. They must be confident in teaching techniques outside of their own studio environment, and be able to provide the equipment and materials to facilitate this. The ability to engage with others including young people is essential.

Key objectives

The primary objectives of the workshop programme are as follows:

• Develop a workshop series that showcases Derbyshire's heritage of Ashford Black Marble through a contemporary lens.


• Introduce participants to the heritage and cultural significance of Ashford Black Marble.


• Introduction to Pottery: Understanding the history and cultural importance of pottery.


• Provide an inclusive and supportive space for autistic and neurodivergent young people to engage in creative expression through using clay/pottery.


• Develop social skills and encourage communication and collaboration among the participants.


• Each young person will design and create a piece for public display.


• Be part of an evaluation process assessing the impact and effectiveness of the workshops in achieving its objectives.


Timeline:

• Planning meeting with LEVEL Centre (online) - date TBC.


• Workshops with Youth Collective - September 2024 to December 2024 (One further date tbc).


• Monitoring and evaluation feedback - January 2025.


• Launch event at Bakewell Old House Museum - March 2025.


Agreement:

Twelve week period to commence September 2024 and complete January 2025.

Freelance Fee:

An inclusive fee of £2700 (inc. VAT). This includes all expenses related to the freelancer's time, travel, preparation, design, delivery, and evaluation. A materials budget will be agreed during the planning phase.