Even Here, Even Now: Q&As

Q: Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for a practicing community artist who is based in the island groups listed*. We are looking for someone who is driven and passionate to make a difference to the project and the impact it can have on artists and the communities.

As the posts hold responsibility, we are looking for trustworthy and reliable people who are good team workers, as forming a team of both Associates and Advocacy Group members will be vital in the projects success.  

*Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Shetland.

Q: Will interviews take place online or in-person? 

Interviews will all take place online. 

Q: Do I need to have established projects to apply to either role? 

Not at all, this is what you will be paid to do in this project, although if you wish, you can discuss the possibility of ideas in your application. Please don’t worry if you don’t have an established project or community in mind, we can support you with this throughout the project delivery.  

Q: If I was successful, could I host hybrid events and workshops? 

Yes, definitely. We’ve run events in different locations at the same time before, and they worked really well. We’d love to explore how technology could help connect people and places, allowing communities to take part together, share ideas, and learn from each other even when they’re not in the same room. 

Q: What will the outcomes be that we are driving towards in each role? 

Artist associate: 1 workshop a month within community and bi-monthly artist meet-ups. The outcomes will also be looking at what impact the work delivered is having.  

Artist Advocacy steering group: We will be shaping things as we go as this is a new role. We are looking for impact within communities. We need to hear that the advocacy is happening within these roles and this will be the specific outcomes we are looking for.  

Q: Do I need to apply for both roles individually, or would one application count for both roles? 

Yes, you’ll need to submit a separate application for each role. While we don’t anticipate one person taking on both positions, however, there is always the possibility. 

Q: What is the greatest success that has come from Even Here, Even Now?  

Getting into the Islands Plan and being part of a government policy that is working and living with island communities is brilliant. The Islands Plan provides longevity for project, and this is exciting. Being able to provide art roles within and specific islands is something that really excites me.  

Q: How are you defining community for projects?  

Community can be defined in lots of different ways. It might be a geographical community, a shared interest group, or an artistic or cultural community. We encourage applicants to define the community that is most relevant to their project and explain how they plan to engage with it. 

Q: How big does a community need to be? Can we mix and match communities? 

There’s no set size for a community, and you can work with more than one. We’d like the approach to be artist-led. For example, over a six-month project you could engage with six different communities, and these don’t need to be geographically based. If your focus was, for example, working with the NHS to generate an Arts on Prescription service, this would be a very big community and you might just work with this one.  

Q: Will there be connections or meetings between the Artist Associates and Creative Advocacy role. Will they connect within this project?  

It would be great if they can connect, but this not a requirement and they can stand alone. 

Q: If I am applying and have plans/activities for next 6 months that link to this role already, can I link them together?  

We want to make sure the funding is supporting new activity rather than covering work that’s already planned and funded. We’d love to see projects that build on existing ideas and help them grow, creating opportunities for even more activity and engagement. 

Q: I have ideas/dreams for the next 6 months that are relevant to Even Here, Even Now; this project would allow these to take place. Can I mention those in my application? 

Yes, absolutely. We love to hear about your ambitions! 

Q: I am isolated geographically, do my projects need to take place in person? 

No, there is flexibility in how you deliver your project. If you’re geographically isolated, activities can take place online. We want the approach to work for you and your community, so there is flexibility in how the role is delivered. 

Q: Will there be other opportunities available within Even Here, Even Now? 

Yes, there will be other ways to get involved, so keep an eye out! 

Q: How will this application process be inclusive? 

Shetland Arts has an inclusion policy in place, and the application form includes a section where you can tell us about any access requirements. We’ll work with you to make sure these are supported throughout the application process and, if successful, during the project. 

Q: Is it a guarantee that there will be more roles in 6 months these roles will be available again? 

Yes, both roles will be available to apply for again in 6 months’ time.