Pyramid invests in people with a learning disability through the discovery, development and disruption of the arts. Our goal is to help people with a learning disability to discover the arts and develop their talents to become world-class artists. We disrupt the social and institutional barriers that prevent them from being recognised, supported and celebrated.
We do this through collaborative art groups, including a programme for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as providing one-on-one creative support and professional development opportunities.
Pyramid groups work together on a rolling programme of long term co-operative arts projects led by professional artists across a range of art forms, with finished work often promoted through exhibitions and at cultural events.
Our projects are led by an
artist facilitator and a
core worker. Core workers are professional artists who have completed the Pyramid training in inclusive arts practice. The core worker makes sure that everybody in the group is able to take part to the fullest of their ability. Artists are selected by matching the requirements of the project to their area of creative expertise.
Most groups meet for two hours per week, and we usually offer work on a termly basis (12-13 week contracts).
We work with around 20-25 freelance artists in any given term. We can’t guarantee any immediate offer of work but we are keen to add to the list of artists to work with in future.
Artist Facilitators and Core Workers are paid £22.45 per hour.
Workers are also invited to take part in our 16% for Art initiative, and can receive an additional seven hours pay for each project they work on, to use on developing their own creative practice. We also have a research and development budget to support our team to access training and professional development opportunities.
Some of our 1:1 work is directly funded by Adult Social Care, and is therefore paid at the lower hourly rates found in the social care sector. For this work we pay £10.69 per hour. These workers still receive the 16% for Art at the full £22.45 rate.
All workers receive pay to cover additional work outside of the session times (e.g. meetings, planning, session reports).
We are looking to recruit new Artist Facilitators to our pool of freelance workers. We’re interested in hearing from people with backgrounds in all artforms but particularly digital media, photography and film-making.
Prior experience of working in community arts or alongside people with a learning disability and autistic people is desirable but by no means essential. You will be invited to undertake our training in inclusive arts practice.
Pyramid is an inclusive, equal opportunities employer and we want our organisation and its audience to reflect the diversity of our local community in Leeds. If you feel under-represented in the arts, we strongly encourage you to apply!
We want you to tell us why you think you would be a good fit for this role. Tell us in whatever way is comfortable and easiest for you:
• Writing – write a statement (no more than 500 words)
• Audio / Video – record yourself talking (no more than 5 mins)
• Conversation – have a conversation with someone you know and record it (no more than 5 mins)
• Phone call – arrange a time to phone one of our team and tell us.
We’ll want to see some examples of your artistic practice so please also send us a copy of your CV / portfolio / website link. Again, whatever format works for you and you think best represents your work is fine.
Please get in touch by 31st January 2022. Selected applicants will be contacted for an informal interview at a mutually convenient time. If you have any access needs, please let us know and we’ll do our very best to accommodate.
Please note that any offer of work is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receipt of two satisfactory references.
Your application, or any questions, should be addressed to:
James Hill, Director
james[at]pyramid.org.uk
0113 234 6040 or 07856 176 832
Unit 68B Barkston House, Croydon Street, Leeds LS11 9RT
Our website includes useful information in the ‘about us’ section, including our strategic aims and past annual reports showcasing our work.
Also in the ‘about us’ section, you will find our Policies and Procedures. We would particularly draw you attention to the following:
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Recruitment and Selection Policy
• Recruitment, Induction and Training for Arts Facilitators
For general enquiries, please contact us.
