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.

Steering Group

CVAN EM is looking for new Steering Group Members