Programme Assistant - HMP Spring Hill - Milton Keynes
Programme Assistant at HMP Spring Hill
Placing a professional artist at HMP Spring Hill offers prisoners insight into how to develop an artistic practice, as well as providing access to art and culture in an open prison. The aims of the residency are as follows:
- Provide a space for progressive and experimental approaches to art education within an alternative setting
- Expand Ikon’s work in prisons, modelling cross-sectoral working across art, charity and criminal justice settings
- Introduce prisoners to contemporary art practice, facilitating the professional development of their own creative practices and transferable skills for work
- Scope Buckinghamshire community partners to provide creative briefs for, and produce exhibition showcases in collaboration with, prisoners at HMP Spring Hill
Person specification
We are seeking an organised, flexible and motivated Programme Assistant to support an Artist and Producer to deliver an ambitious visual arts programme at HMP Spring Hill. The successful candidate will have an interest in the arts/ criminal justice.
Over 12 months, the Programme Assistant will support the Artist and Producer to deliver practical workshops, two set days per week, for the prison community. The workshops will culminate in two exhibitions/ events aimed at establishing a dialogue with the Buckinghamshire community.
The Programme Assistant will:- Undertake an induction, including key holder and radio training, with HMPPS staff
- Complete Ministry of Justice (MoJ) vetting processes
- Work with the Producer, Artist and Art Orderly, to set up a new art studio within the grounds of the prison
- Assist facilitation of twice-weekly workshops for prisoners to experiment with different media and learn technical processes e.g. printmaking, photography, embroidery and sculpture
- Assist with prisoner submissions to the Koestler Awards
- Assist with the curation and installation of exhibitions at HMP Spring Hill and in the local community
- Participate in creative evaluation conducted by the Producer
- Work as part of a team, with the Producer and Artist, to schedule and communicate activity, order materials, set-up facility, ensuring that the studio is kept clean and tidy
- Engage with the prison’s security and education team to ensure work is undertaken in accordance with prison procedures
- Provide administrative support to the Producer
- Participate in Ikon’s public programme, including talks and symposia, including complementary activity at HMP Grendon