Friends of the Ridgeway (FoR) Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize 2023 – Event Project Manager sought.
The annual Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize is run by the FoR and after many years our current organiser is stepping down after the 2022 Prize in April. We seek a new project manager who will take sole responsibility to organise the 2023 competition. Each year through our network of previous entrants, artists, contacts, Facebook and website, the competition is launched in early November. The exhibition is held the following April with an associated online exhibition. The project manager receives the entry forms, liaises with the artists, physically receives the art work and arranges the scrutinising of the submissions with the group of established judges including a Chair. The project manager with the help of the FoR Trustees is also responsible for the exhibition which is held in a suitable location near the Ridgeway.
What they are looking for
Someone with experience and organisation skills to run a small scale event. Regular communication between contributors and others is by email; and they should be computer literate with ready access to an email account and associated office software. They should be committed to the organisation and have sufficient time and willingness to contribute effectively to the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize as an activity of the Friends of the Ridgeway. They do not need to have artistic skills however they should have:
- good organisation skills and an attention to detail
- the ability and confidence to engage with people and colleagues.
- the willingness and ability to speak up and remain independent of any influence from
another organisation or individual - have a passion for art, the outdoors and an interest in green space activities
either as a walker, cyclist, rider, environmentalist, or historian - a strong desire to ensure that the Ridgeway is preserved in perpetuity.
Time Commitment
The annual exhibition is held in conjunction with the Friends of the Ridgeway AGM and Friends Day in April. The exhibition flyer, entry form and rules are published by email, through the website and social media in the preceding November. The theme changes every year however the time commitment to produce the documents is very small, largely an update from previous years.
The next two months require a “watching brief” to answer questions and maintain contact with entrants. The time commitment increases in February as all entries must be received 1 month prior to the Ridgeway Friends Day. Once all entries are received the event co-ordinator is responsible for liaison with the category judges to select the winners. Due to the pandemic all entrants were photographed and published on the FoR website. It is the intention to continue to publish the entries of the website and the co-ordinator would liaise with the photographer The next major time commitment in April is to set up the exhibition, normally over two days (Thursday/Friday), the exhibition on the following day (Saturday) and then the Friends Day (Sunday). This is effectively a four day commitment however the Trustees assist throughout this period. Once complete the co-ordinator is responsible to arrange the exhibitors to collect their entries.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
The role of the project manager will be stimulating, challenging but rewarding and will at times call on your diplomatic and organisational skills. Although not a trustee the role provides an opportunity to work alongside an experienced and committed team of trustees, in a friendly setting. They will meet and discuss all aspects of the competition with a wide range of like-minded people, and develop your skills and knowledge. It is an opportunity to encourage and support people of all ages and background to artistically interpret the natural beauty of the Ridgeway through art, sculpture, photography or in writing.
Application Details
Applicants should apply by either submitting a short CV including a supporting statement explaining what they can offer and why they are interested to Michael Lewington at michaellewington@hotmail.com or through the REACH Volunteering Website.
For more information, contact the Chair of FoR, Mike Lewington michaellewington@hotmail.com
