News
Freelance Opportunity: Critical Friend
Could you be our new Critical Friend?
Reimagine Redditch is looking for a freelance Critical Friend to support, challenge and strengthen our Creative People and Places programme.
This is an opportunity to bring an independent perspective to an ambitious cultural programme rooted in Redditch’s communities.
About the role
We are seeking a freelance consultant to work with our Programme Director on a quarterly basis until March 2029, offering insight, reflection and constructive challenge.
As Critical Friend, you will:
- Test programme ideas and approaches
- Provide independent perspective
- Support honest reflection and learning
- Help strengthen key areas including artistic ambition, co-creation, inclusion and fundraising
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Ask thoughtful, challenging questions
- Offer insight from other programmes or sectors
- Critique processes and support improvement
You’ll also:
- Build a trusted working relationship with the Programme Director
- Remain independent from programme delivery and governance
- Bring expertise in evaluation, partnerships and public engagement
- Support us to capture and share learning
Who this role is for
This opportunity is suited to someone with experience of place-based arts programmes or community-led cultural work, particularly Creative People and Places or similar initiatives.
Essential experience includes:
- Supporting or coaching cultural leaders
- Working on place-based initiatives
- Co-creating arts activity with communities
- Understanding inclusive engagement practices
- Knowledge of fundraising approaches
- Alignment with our mission and values
Fee
- £4,200 total fee (inclusive of VAT)
- Covers approximately 10 meetings between August 2026 and January 2029
- Travel can be claimed by agreement
Key dates
- Deadline: 9am, Tuesday 7 July 2026
- Interview outcome: Friday 17 July 2026
- Start date: from mid-August 2026
How to apply
Send a proposal (max 3 pages A4) to: recruitment@severnarts.org.uk
Include: recruitment@severnarts.org.uk
- Your contact details
- Relevant experience and suitability
- Your proposed approach
- A budget breakdown
- One referee
For an informal conversation email: richard@reimagineredditch.org
About Reimagine Redditch
Reimagine Redditch is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, working with communities to co-create arts and cultural experiences.
We believe creativity should be shaped by local people—and reflect what matters most to them.
Apply by 9am, Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Help us reflect, challenge and grow as we continue to build a more creative, connected Redditch.