Opportunities
We have a range of opportunities open Open Eye Gallery and partnering organisations. Please scroll down for the opportunity that suits you.
2 x FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS IN RESIDENCE - CHESTER
REFLECTIONS – COVID COMMUNITY RESPONSES:
An outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the importance of community-led responses that draw upon local knowledge and resources, and build capacity and channels of interconnectedness between government, community organisations and the public.
Cheshire West and Chester (CW&C) recognise the importance of communities, culture & belonging and are inviting artists to explore new and different perspectives, which reflect community responses to Covid-19 in the Borough as part of a cultural programme.
A series of socially engaged artists will develop and deliver projects that articulate responses that encourage social interaction and opportunities to enable deeper community engagement and creativity.
ABOUT THIS SOCIALLY ENGAGED PHOTOGRAPHY COMMISSION:
CW&C are working in partnership with photography organisation Open Eye Gallery for two of the commissions under a key theme of:
Under represented voices – the lives and issues people face has been magnified.
A commission working with under presented groups to listen and amplify their voices. CW&C aim to be more inclusive and listen more to people who are marginalised, having recently set up a Poverty Team and are working with organisations to create safe spaces and diverse programmes.
Possible Organisations: Poverty Truth Advisory Board – Inspirers, Disability Panel, Minority groups, Body Positive – LGBTQ+, Young People, Fallen Angels
Open Eye Gallery will deliver this commission as part of the wider cultural programme. We will support the development of community partnerships and establish meetings with key people working with marganislised communities and individuals. Open Eye Gallery will also line manage the commissioned photographers. CW&C will help contact these groups via established channels. CW&C has four different locality areas Ellesmere Port, Chester, Northwich & Winsford and Rural, with Locality workers who provide connections to the local communities and groups http://www.yourwestcheshire.co.uk
THE ROLE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER
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- To work with communities to establish how they would like to record their reflections and/or see these presented; working within communities to deliver this
- Focus on people whose experience is not generally reflected in the narrative around Covid-19 – ensure the programme reaches people from diverse communities, for example people who have experienced homelessness.
- To take a collaborative approach – working with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders who have been at the frontline of delivering services and working with communities (e.g. Poverty Team, Localities, Library staff)
- For the programme to be accessible and inclusive – reducing barriers that might prevent some people from participating.
- To ensure that, as far as possible, the outputs from the programme can be preserved permanently
- Contribute one-two written reflective blogs/ video interviews about the project, for the Open Eye Gallery website, associated Socially Engaged Photography Network (SEPN) and/ or content for public distribution via Open Eye Gallery and C&CW online outlets.
For full details, please download the brief below.
FRONT OF HOUSE VOLUNTEER
Open Eye Gallery has a long established volunteer programme with a growing community focus. We are keen to encourage individuals from any cultural or educational background to apply we hope we can offer broad development opportunities.
Retail
- Use of Point of Sale Systems
- Visual Merchandising
- Customer service
Transferable skills
- Interpersonal development
- Public Speaking
- Leadership abilities
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving
- Research methodologies
- Organisation skills
Volunteers are an important and valued part of the Open Eye Gallery. Without volunteers Open Eye Gallery would not be able to offer high quality exhibitions and events to the public for free. We want to ensure that volunteering at Open Eye Gallery helps you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be, and most of all that you enjoy the experience and feel like part of the team.
Open Eye Gallery provides free access to high quality, innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art from around the world. Gallery volunteers are a part of this creative environment and work amongst a team of engaging, committed and creative individuals. Volunteers play a key role in the day to day running of the Gallery, ensuring it is a welcoming and friendly place. Food and travel will be reimbursed up to £7.50 per day.
Check out our volunteer led publication PLATFORM here
Please download the following documents to apply and send completed applications to natalie@openeye.org.uk
GUEST RETAILER
We are inviting independent retailers, designers, illustrators and makers to submit pop-up shop proposals for our small, but perfectly formed gallery gift shop. We support local and regional artists/makers/creative entrepreneurs by offering a platform for promotion and sales. We are looking for design conscious products to sell in our shop: books, stationary, homewear, gifts and everything in between! Your merchandise should sit well alongside our contemporary publications, cameras and photography accessories. Please submit your proposals with a link to your website and images of your products together with pricing information to info@openeye.org.uk
