Spectra is seeking a Policy Artist

We are a fierce and joyful, learning disability centred, multi-arts organisation.

Founded on the idea of radical inclusion, we have developed a reputation for aesthetically driven, gently provocative performances, installations and workshops that engage all of our audiences’ senses.

Our mission is to lift learning disabled people’s capacity to influence change in their own lives and the world around them. We believe that our world and our communities are improved when everybody has the opportunity to contribute.

Our methods of working are co-creative and collaborative – delivering impactful projects that showcase the skills and creativity of neurodivergent and learning disabled artists. Everything we do is shaped by the people we work with.

Since 2013, we have delivered 575+ co-creation sessions/workshops and performed for over 11,000 people. We have produced 12 performances, from large-scale events to street festivals, a touring show, digital performances, a symposium and built 3 co-designed community gardens.

Supported since our founding by Arts Council England, we joined their National Portfolio in 2023. Our work is currently supported by partners, including National Lottery Reaching Communities.

• To help create a more stimulating version of our new Company Culture Guide.
• To have a digital format that is more accessible and meaningful to everyone at Spectra.
• To bring fresh skills and capacity to the company. 

Our Steering Group is made up of learning disabled and neurodivergent performers, artists and facilitators who have a history of working with Spectra, so they have a really good understanding of who we are and what we do. They meet at least once a quarter to feed into operational and strategic decision making. They have also begun to work more closely with our Board.

Over the last few months, Spectra’s Steering Group has been co-creating a Company Culture Guide, which now exists as a written document, but we also want to create a digital version of this Guide in a more engaging format. 

The Steering Group has come up with some initial ideas: a film, a comic strip, something involving animation, or some combination of the three. However, we are very open to something we haven’t thought of, as long as it is digital and there are interactive elements to engage the audience. It may be useful to think about how people with varying levels of interest can engage at different levels of depth – e.g. by using dropdowns or click-throughs to expand on key points.

We want the Policy Artist to create a resource that is accessible to a variety of audiences, including learning disabled people, with considerations for audio description, captions and screen readers. 

For reference, here is the written version that you would be working from: Spectra Company Culture Guide – Draft 251216

The resource should be created collaboratively across six sessions, and should reflect the ideas and feedback of the Steering Group as well as the Policy Artist’s own expertise. This will involve some creative facilitation. As part of the feedback process, a test audience for the policy may also be consulted, such as one of Spectra’s community groups.

You should be open-minded, patient, have a sense of humour, and be able to foster a relaxed environment. Your communication style should be clear, and you should be upfront about what you can (and can’t) do. 

We work in a truly co-creative way, so you need to be able to allow your ideas to be genuinely adapted by the collaboration. What you end up creating may be something entirely different to what you thought you would at the start – and that’s part of the fun!

The application form is available here:

When you submit your expression of interest, please also complete the equal opportunities questions. These answers and your personal information will be kept separate from your application when it is reviewed by the panel.

Application Questions

1. What interests you about Spectra, and this particular project? You can find out more about Spectra here: wearespectra.co.uk (max 250 words)
2. What experience do you have that will help you in this role? (max 250 words)
   This might include:
   • Collaboration with learning disabled people
   • Communicating with a group that has varied styles of communication
   • Creative facilitation
   • Understanding of digital software that may be relevant
   • Creating accessible resources
3. Please tell us about one example of your work and why you think it shows that you would be a good artist for this project. (max 250 words)
4. What kind of creative output do you imagine we might make together? You do not need to have a complete idea, just some thoughts or starting points. (max 250 words)

DEADLINE: 10 am Tuesday 21st April 2026

SHORTLISTING DECISION: Thursday 23rd April 2026

INTERVIEWS: in person in Bearwood or online via Zoom on Monday, 27th April 2026. If you are shortlisted, we will send you the interview questions and information about the panel in advance. We will also ask if any adjustments are needed to make the interview accessible for you.

Please make sure you are able to attend all of these dates. 

• Sessions with the Steering Group, in person in Bearwood (all 2 hours long, between 10:00 and 15:30)
  • Mon 11 May
  • Mon 18 May
  • Mon 01 June 
  • Mon 08 June 
  • Mon 22 June 
  • Mon 29 June 

The fee for the Artist is £2250, to cover a minimum of 6 collaborative sessions with the Steering Group; responsive design, production and installation of the output; meetings, planning and reflection.

A budget of £1250 is available for materials and fabrication, with the possibility to increase given a convincing case.

If you think this job looks great but you’re a bit cautious about putting yourself forward, please get in touch with Kerry (kerry@wearespectra.co.uk) for an informal chat. We’re very happy to talk through the role, to find different ways of communicating this job description, and to explore how different kinds of experience could contribute to fulfilling this role well.

We eagerly encourage applications from people who are from marginalised or minoritised backgrounds. Our welcome extends beyond the recruitment process; we are committed to creating a working space that is safe and caring for all.

If you need or would prefer this job description or the application form below in another format, please don’t hesitate to contact kerry@wearespectra.co.uk to chat through how we can best open this opportunity to you.