Project: East End Community Centre Development Trust Sign revamp/trail

Partnership: East End Arts Action Group, Take A Part and Barbican Theatre

Location: East End, Plymouth

Budget: £5,000- Includes artist fee for planning/delivery of co-created sessions (timeline to be agreed with project team), production, materials and installation.

Timeline: Deadline for application, Mon 27th July, 5pm

Delivery schedule TBC with project team- intended for a quick turnaround

Project Overview:

The East End Arts Action Group, Take A Part, and the Barbican Theatre are delivering a community design project in the East End of Plymouth.  Currently, the East End Community Centre lacks visibility, making it difficult for residents and visitors to locate. This project directly addresses that challenge by commissioning an artist to collaborate with local community members to design and implement highly visual, impactful creative signage and an upgraded identity for the immediate area outside the centre.

The core aim is to significantly boost the physical visibility and profile of both the

Community Centre and the East End Arts Action Group. To achieve this, the project requires the

development of clear, exciting visual signage outside of the building, transforming that area into an engaging, welcoming landmark and creative piece/talking point. Beyond the immediate sign itself, the scope of work may also extend to designing visual pathways, markers, or trail elements leading up to the sign to guide people effectively to the centre. The final design outcomes must celebrate the area's identity, stories and spirit whilst working in collaboration with the community to achieve this.

The funding for this project is coming from Esmee Fairbairne Foundation’s Creative Confident Communities funding, which is focused on creating sustainable, artistic communities. 

The Role: Collaborative Artist / Designer

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and responsive visual artist, designer, or maker to

collaborate with the East End community and lead hands-on co-created sessions with

community members, translating their collective ideas, voices, and pride into signage concepts

and a final creative outcome that supports the ambition to improve signage at the East End

Community Centre and encourages people to move around the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate responsive, inclusive workshops that engage community members in the design process, ensuring local voices remain at the heart of the creative output.

• Translate community ideas, stories, and local identity into distinct, creative signage designs for the East End Community Centre.

• Work efficiently within a condensed timeframe to finalise designs, maintaining open communication with stakeholders and community participants.

• Deliver an impactful visual outcome that fosters connection, local ownership, and a deep sense of pride within the community.

About You

• A skilled, adaptable visual artist or designer with a strong track record in community engagement and co-creation.

• Experienced in delivering high-quality artistic outputs under tight deadlines and quick turnaround schedules.

• Passionate about empowering communities through collaborative art and design.

• Confident in leading collaborative sessions with enthusiasm, inclusivity, and clear artistic direction.

Budget & Commitment

• Total Budget: £5,000 Includes artist fee for planning/delivery of co-created sessions (timeline to be agreed with project team), production, materials and installation.

• Timeline: Fast-track delivery. Exact workshop schedules and design milestones will be mutually agreed upon execution of the contract, it is anticipated that the project will complete by September 30th, 2026. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV alongside a brief expression of interest (either a short cover letter, a 2-minute video, or a 2-minute audio recording) highlighting your relevant community design experience and portfolio examples to gem@takepart.org.uk and sally@barbicantheatre.co.uk

Closing date: Monday 27th July 5:00pm

Barbican Theatre welcomes enquiries from individuals interested in joining our Board of Trustees. We are committed to an open and inclusive process, seeking people who share our passion for creativity, community, and positive change. Whether you have experience in finance, fundraising, governance, the arts, or bring fresh perspectives from other sectors, we’d love to hear from you. If you're curious about what being a trustee involves and how you could contribute, get in touch—we’re always open to conversations about shaping the future of Barbican Theatre together. Email claire@barbicantheatre.co.uk to arrange an informal chat.

Are you passionate about Theatre? Do you enjoy varied artistic tasks? Do you have a flair for working with people? Do you enjoy being part of a creative team? Then a volunteering role at the Barbican Theatre Plymouth may be just the ticket!

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

✨ Support live performances and events

✨ Welcome and assist audiences

✨ Gain experience in a dynamic theatre setting

✨ Meet like-minded people and be part of our creative community

No two days at the Barbican Theatre are ever the same, from diverse performances, incredible youth and community theatre, as well as exciting outdoor events, being a Volunteer will provide you with opportunities to learn more about the arts, become part of a team and to support and develop a local charitable arts organisation!

If you fit the bill, please fill in this form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

(Volunteers must be aged 18+ and will need to undertake a DBS check prior to starting)

As an organisation, we are committed to following our Safer Recruitment policy in order to ensure the safety and protection of all participants. Barbican Theatre Plymouth ensure that:

It is the policy of Barbican Theatre, Plymouth that all employees, contractors and volunteers who will work with young people undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Baring Service.

All applicants to any paid or volunteer roles must have an existing DBS or provide information for us to process a DBS.

No individual may work or volunteer with Barbican Theatre Plymouth without the return of a clear and current DBS

Barbican Theatre considers a recent DBS to be one done in the last 2 years

If an employee, trustee or volunteer does not have a clear DBS, they will

Any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer who will investigate the claim

If concerns arise once a staff member or volunteer has started their role, they will be temporarily suspended from working with young people and vulnerable adults whilst the claims are investigated

All new staff and volunteers must undergo Safeguarding and Child Protection training prior to starting their role