We are so pleased that you are interested in becoming a member of Calderdale Creates Steering Group.
Who we are
If you don’t already know us – Calderdale Creates is a network organisation formed by and for Calderdale’s creative and cultural sector/community with support from council partners.
Our 90 members (and counting..) are made up of the Borough’s cultural organisations, freelance artists, local authority representatives and voluntary sector working together to deliver Calderdale’s Cultural Strategy.
Our mission is to shape and lead on the delivery of the cultural strategy for Calderdale.
Our vision is to see creativity flowing through every part of Calderdale’s diverse cultural landscape, inspiring & empowering us all to live rich & transformative lives.
Our Priorities are to develop CalderdaleCreates as a strategic & influential partnership.
| Connected | Open | Imaginative | Responsible |
| We will be alive & attuned to what matters to all of Calderdale’s communities & celebrate our diversity. | We will be clear, honest & responsible about what we are doing, why & how. | We will nurture new ideas & develop creative practice whilst championing our Heritage. | We will think & act in ways that protect & care for our local & global Environment. |
About the Steering Group
Our steering group members play an important role enabling our network to deliver our mission as well as align and realise our values, vision and priorities.
Our current steering group
Chair, Laurie Sansom
Laurie was previously the Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, directing The James Plays trilogy in an unprecedented collaboration with the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Theatre of Great Britain and touring round the world. Previously he was Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, winning the inaugural Stage Regional Theatre of the Year in 2010, TMA Best Director, and producing a trilogy of new adaptations of classic plays as part of London 2012’s Cultural Olympiad.
Ruth Gamble
Ruth Gamble is Head of Heritage, Engagement and Exhibitions at The Piece Hall Trust, leading on community programmes, bringing heritage to life through learning activity for all ages and an exciting programme of exhibitions both in the gallery and in the open-air. Ruth is part of the steering group for the Calderdale Local Cultural Education Partnership and works closely with artists, educators and organisations across Calderdale and further afield.
Tim Fagan
Tim is the Theatres & Cultural Programme’s Manger for Calderdale Council and the General Manager of the Victoria Theatre. He is a registered Dramatherapist and is involved in developing the Arts & Health and Cultural Education agendas for the Borough.
Lauren Iredale
Lauren is an Artist, Director of Artworks, The Everybody School of Art and an active member of local, cross sector steering groups and boards including Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary, Calderdale Local Cultural Education Partnership and Calderdale Thriving Communities.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for people with a passion for culture, creativity and Calderdale, people who are aligned to our vision and values with the expertise, enthusiasm and experience to help us to deliver our priorities and mission.
It is important that our Steering group is representative of the Borough and its cultural sector.
Applicants should have experience working in at least one of the following sectors/ industries / disciplines:
- Visual arts
- Literature
- Museums
- Combined arts
- Music
- Performing arts
- Heritage
- Libraries
Applications are open to freelancers and members of organisations based in Calderdale.
As well as hard skills we recognise the value that life experience brings and the importance of representation for communities currently underserved in Calderdale.
With that in mind we are seeking applications from people who identify with one or more of the following criteria. Identification will be at the sole discretion of the applicant.
- Live or work in Calderdale
- Are from a lower socioeconomic background
- Identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Have a learning or physical disability
- Are neurodivergentHave lived experience of mental ill health
- Have a long term health condition
What’s the commitment?
The steering group will meet formally six times a year, and will establish working groups to which additional members may be co-opted to lead on specific areas such as 2024 or programming.
The steering group members will be elected annually by the membership and will stand for a period of no more than 2 tenures of 3 years.
The Chair will be elected by the steering group, and also stand for no longer than 2 tenures of 3 years.
This year we hope to recruit 8 – 10 new members to join our existing steering group. There will be opportunities annually in March for new members to join and existing members to step down.
By March 2024 existing steering group members will have completed their 3 year tenure and will have the option to either step down or go for reelection.
Being an active Calderdale Creates steering group member means you want to be part of a team, commit to serve in the needs and interests of Calderdale’s Cultural Sector as a whole, and will avoid conflicts of interest or nepotism.
You will seek good conversations, act as an ambassador and understand its not only about attending meetings.
Expenses incurred to attend meetings will be covered. We recognise the high level of demand attendance places on freelance resources and have the aspiration to pay stipends in addition to expenses for freelancers to attend network meetings.
How to apply
We are inviting expressions of interest to join our Steering Group. In 300 words or a 3 minute voice note or video, or less, please introduce yourself and tell us:
- Why you want to become a member of the Calderdale Creates Steering Group
- What experience you may bring to the role
- Please also include your name, contact details, confirmation that you have the capacity to commit to becoming a Steering Group member and that you will use your place on the steering group to serve the vision, mission, values and priorities of Calderdale Creates above any personal or professional interests.
- Please confirm that you identify with at least one of our eligibility criteria.
- Please let us know if you have any barriers to access (expenses etc)
The deadline for applications is Monday 27th February 2023 at 5pm.
What’s Next?
Candidates 300 words or 3 minute audio or film clip expression of interest covering ‘Why you want to become a member of the Calderdale Creates Steering Group’ and ‘What experience you may bring to the role’ will be added to Calderdale Creates web page in March.