CALLOUT: Research project to explore the working and living conditions of artists – deadline 18th Sept

Arts Council of Northern Ireland are conducting a research project to explore the working and living conditions of artists. They are putting together an advisory group and would like to invite 2 artists to be a part of this group. You will be compensated for your time.

1. Introduction & Background

• Many artists in Northern Ireland face unstable working and living conditions. The most recent ACNI survey on artists highlighted that in 2010 their mean salary (£14,546) was 52% lower than for all workers. Artists earned this relatively low wage despite spending 37% of their working time in paid work not related to the arts. This salary gap did not reflect the higher human capital artists possess. In effect, they tend to have a higher level of formal education than the rest of the labour market, and hence tend to be older when they start working. Furthermore, 67% of them reported having no pension scheme in place. ACNI’s Annual Funding Survey revealed that expenditure on artists by AFP organisations decreased by 32.6% from 2019-20 to 2021/22.
• ACNI is committed to ensuring that artists receive the support they need to continue to develop and work with confidence, vision and ambition. As part of this work, ACNI is commissioning a research project to explore the current working and living conditions of artists in Northern Ireland. The process and results of this project will inform ACNI’s work to support artists, build our evidence base for government, including business cases, and strengthen our engagement with other partners for relevant policy priorities and actions.

2. Purpose of the Advisory Group:

• The advisory group will provide guidance and expertise for the planning, and delivery of a survey on the working and living conditions of artists in Northern Ireland.
• The scope and focus of the survey have been defined by the Arts Council in line with its strategic priorities for 2019-2024. The Strategy team at the Arts Council will manage the project. The advisory group will:

1. Provide input on ways to engage with artists.
2. Ensure that the survey respects ethical considerations, in particular in how the process and results of the survey will be used to support the work ACNI does for artists in Northern Ireland, informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection.
3. Provide feedback on the survey analysis and interpretation of results.
4. Provide input in disseminating the survey findings to relevant stakeholders.

3. Membership of the advisory group

• The advisory group will consist of up to a maximum of six members. 3 members will be from the Arts Council. 2 will be artists and 1 will be an academic with expertise in survey methodology and analysis.
• The 2 artists will be selected through this open call for expressions of interest.

4. Meetings

• The research project will start in September 2023 and finish in March 2024. The advisory group will meet three times:
• October 2023: To provide feedback about the draft Project Initiation Document (presented by the service provider)
• January 2024: To provide feedback about the presentation of the early analysis and synthesis of results (presented by the service provider).
• March 2024: To provide feedback about the first draft of the report and input on ways to disseminate and use the results (presented by Strategy Team).
• All 3 meetings will be online.
• Prior to each meeting, members may be required to read supporting papers, such as early drafts of the report.

5. Artist Specification

• The artists should possess the following:

1. Knowledge and experience of the opportunities and challenges artists face.
2. A clear commitment to the development of arts and culture in Northern Ireland.
3. An understanding of the work of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

6. Primary Duties and Outputs

• The artists will:

1. Participate in all 3 meetings.
2. Read supporting documents prior to the meetings.
3. Send written feedback about the project after each meeting (no more than 300 words).

7. Remuneration Expenses

• A fee of £100 per meeting will be made available to cover relevant costs for the Artist. This will be inclusive of VAT.

8. How to Apply

• Applicants are asked to submit a short CV and supporting statement (no more than one A4s in total for statement) on why they would like to be part of the advisory group in accordance with the requirements listed in the specification (Section 5 above).
• This CV and statement may be submitted in a format which is suitable to you, inclusive of written or video formats. · All submissions should be submitted via email to: strategy@artscouncil-ni.org no later than 1 pm on 18th September 2023.

9. Selection Process

• Each application will be evaluated against the following criteria:

1. Knowledge and experience of the opportunities and challenges artists face (50%)
2. A clear commitment to the development of arts and culture in Northern Ireland (40%)
3. An understanding of the work of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (10%).

The deadline for applying is 18th September

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than 8th October 2023.

The first meeting of the DF is expected to take place in mid-October.

Do you need this information in another format?

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is committed to offering clear and accessible application processes and programmes that are open to everyone. On request this information is available in alternative formats including translations.

If you require support, further information or have any general enquiries about the DF’s work and how to apply please contact: strategy@artscouncil-ni.org