text reading 'OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE CALL OUT' overlaid a purple background with a graphic image of a pink disco ball
2nd May 2023

Call out for Operational Committee Members

Deadline to apply: 29th May 2023, midnight. 

EMBASSY Gallery is looking for two new freelance operational committee members to join us from the 10th July 2023. 

EMBASSY is an artist-led organisation based in Edinburgh that seeks to support early career artists, through the facilitation of exhibitions, commissioning opportunities, events and a public facing programming. EMBASSY was established in 2003 and since then has been run by a rolling non-hierarchical committee. In September 2022, EMBASSY updated its governance structure, in order to make changes to allow the role of the operational committee to be fairly paid. The gallery is now seeking to continue its legacy of DIY and collective organising, whilst working under a more sustainable and accessible structure. 

The operational committee takes responsibility for curatorial projects and all aspects of running the gallery. Being on the committee is an opportunity to work with a range of people, commission the production of work and host dynamic events. We work collaboratively to support one another to develop new skills and take the lead on projects. Previously EMBASSY has hosted exhibitions, residencies, workshops, international exchange, projects and performances.

EMBASSY is a non-hierarchical working environment, and as such, the operational committee must seek a shared responsibility in all areas of work to ensure a collective involvement in decision making. We describe EMBASSY as a ‘learning environment’ in which together we give and receive support to one another and the practitioners we work with. Future projects can be led from personal curatorial interests & the direction of the gallery is collectively shaped by the committee.  

The operational committee are expected to work to their strengths and comfort levels, therefore certain committee members may focus on certain tasks – i.e taking responsibility for publication design, or other administrative duties. 

Responsibilities include programming, installation, administrative tasks, accounting, curation, writing text for copy, processing invoices, and artist liaison. This is an non-exhaustive list, and various duties may arise in response to the varied programming EMBASSY presents.

This position is currently funded until December 2023 with a weekly fee of £162 (£13.50 per hour for 12 hours per week). Work is completed flexibly, with certain activities taking place in person in the gallery location, with elements of remote working. Operational committee members are expected to support one another’s working patterns, and its working structure can be adjusted to account for different working styles, access requirements, and additional caring or working responsibilities. 

Previously EMBASSY has been reliant upon In-kind working by its committee, however this is something we are actively working to change. Unpaid labour sits at odds with our commitment to access & fair pay for those working in the arts and as such, we are currently in the process of scaling our programming plans, to assure that the work is able to be executed within the paid 12 hours. We wish to be transparent that this is a current structural change in progress & that there won’t be an expectation of In-kind hours from those joining the committee. 

To apply, please send a short statement (no more than 1 A4 page) explaining your motivations for joining the committee. We’re interested to hear how you imagine the future of EMBASSY, and your desire to join an artist led initiative. EMBASSY doesn’t accept applications from students to be on the operational committee, and we ask that you include the city you are based in your application. Priority will be given to applicants based in Edinburgh. 

EMBASSY won’t be seeking the most ‘qualified’ applicant, as we wish to work with someone who has a passion for collective arts organising and aspires to use their tenure to develop their own personal skills and work on projects that feel meaningful. EMBASSY particularly encourages applicants who experience barriers to other forms of paid art worker roles, or feel underrepresented in the arts. We don’t see the role as a career ‘stepping stone’ as we believe artist-led spaces to be fundamentally important positions within the ecosystem of the art and cultural sector. We are looking for committee members with a passion for collective working and community led projects. 

EMBASSY is committed to equality and accessibility and we believe in fairness of opportunity for all. We treat all committee applications equally regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex, sexual orientation, social background, race, religion and belief. Applicants are not required to have an art school background, nor any formal qualifications. 

Applications are also welcome in an alternative format should this be more accessible to you. Video/ audio applications should be no longer than four minutes in length, and can be emailed to embassygalleryedinburgh@gmail.com. Please write ‘COMMITTEE MEMBER OPEN CALL’ in the subject line. 

Applications will be reviewed by EMBASSY’S current operational committee, with external support provided by artist and member of Neuk Collective, Tzipporah Johnston. Feedback will be provided to all applicants upon request. 

All applicants will be contacted by the 5th of June with a shortlist of candidates invited to interview. Interviews will take place via zoom on the 9th of June, with final decisions communicated by the 13th of June. EMBASSY will be taking on two new committee members, who will begin the role on the 10th July 2023.   

Any questions, please contact us via email at embassygalleryedinburgh@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Warmly, 

Lucas, Elspeth, Lauren, Georgia, and Maria x EMBASSY