Deadline: Monday 11 May, 10am
Responses: Tuesday 19 May, 5pm
Role: Voluntary, 4 meetings per year & 1 Development Day
Start: October 2026 (handover meeting in July 2026)
Applicant Q&A: Monday 20 April, 11.30am – 12noon (online, via Zoom)
Contact Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk to book onto the session, or to request an online 10 minute 1-2-1 conversation (subject to capacity).
We are recruiting:
- 2 Sponsored Artist / Freelance Arts Workers (£200 per quarterly meeting + annual development day)
- 2-3 Organisational Representatives (arts workers e.g., curators & producers working in a visual arts context and supported by their employer to attend and contribute)
Why Join Now?
This is a pivotal moment for CVAN EM.
Our 2026-27 priorities focus on:
- Advocacy & Influence: strengthening the East Midlands’ voice nationally
- Artist & Arts Worker Investment: creating paid opportunities and partnerships
- Regional Visibility: spotlighting East Midlands talent across the UK and internationally
- Inclusive Infrastructure: developing a dynamic and representative network
In 2026 – 2027 we are also delivering Ode to the Midlands, an 18-month Arts Council England funded programme supporting mid-career artists through commissions, partnerships, and digital innovation.
What Does the Steering Group Do?
Steering Group members:
- Advise and support CVAN EM’s Director on strategy and priorities
- Act as advocates for CVAN EM regionally and nationally
- Contribute to sector insight, debate and development drawing on their unique skills, knowledge, lived experience and geographical perspective and understanding.
- Attend 4 meetings per year (January, April, July, October)
- Take part in working groups and an annual development day
CVAN EM is neither a charity nor limited company, which means there are no personal liabilities associated with Steering Group. Membership
This is an unwaged role, with sponsored members only receiving a nominal fee of £200 per meetings.
All Steering Group members are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred when attending in-person meetings.
What You’ll Gain
- Professional development and leadership experience
- Peer learning and networking across the region and nationally
- Opportunity to shape the future of the region’s visual arts sector
- Annual externally facilitated development session
Who We’re Looking For
All applicants must be:
- Based in and passionate about the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland).
- Over the age of 18 and not currently studying at undergraduate level.
- artists, freelancers, or arts workers (including curatorial, production, technical, engagement or learning roles)
We welcome applications from individuals who:
- Are committed to equity, access and inclusion
- Bring strategic thinking, lived experience and/or creative insight
- Are motivated to actively contribute and collaborate
For full details on responsibilities, please refer to our Terms of Reference.
How to Apply
Download the application pack:
Steering Group Recruitment Application Pack (PDF)
Steering Group Recruitment Application Pack (docx)
Steering Group Recruitment Summary Application Pack (PDF)
Steering Group Recruitment Summary Application Pack (docx)
Send to: Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk with the subject line [CVAN EM Steering Group Recruitment] by Monday 11 May 2026, 10am.
Image credit: CVAN EM AGM 2026 at Leicester Print Workshop. By Beth Walsh.