Lead Play Artist - February 2026

Lead Play Artist

Thank you for your interest in the role of Lead Play Artist at Collective. 

Collective are looking to hire a freelance Lead Play Artist to develop and deliver four exciting Play events, responding to our 2026 programme. 

We have built a successful Play programme with both returning and new families taking part in fun and experimental artist-led Play workshops. The workshops encourage children to engage with Collective’s contemporary exhibitions and historic site while giving them the freedom to enjoy making imaginative art with a wide range of materials. 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Some experience of running art workshops with children of primary school age
• A passion for creative play, and supporting children to access art from an early age

Details

Fee: £4,320 (12 days work at £360 per day)

Reports to: Programme Manager

Duration: Planning and delivery of four Play events in 2026: Paloma Proudfoot, Play Sunday, 3 May; Katie Paterson, Play Saturday, 19 July; Collective Gala, Open Play drop in and procession, 5 September; Time and Space open call group show, Play Saturday, 10 October.

Working Hours: Freelance to deliver the above Play events. Pay includes 2 days preparation for each event.

Location: Collective, Edinburgh

Closing date: Monday 23 March, 5pm

Interviews: Week commencing 30 March

How to apply

Please read the recruitment job pack (PDF) before starting your application.

You will need to upload the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (Word) and your CV in the application. You may choose to provide your cover letter as a short audio recording (max 7 minutes) instead, which you can upload to the application form.

Please remove your name from your CV and any answers in the application. Your submittable account name and contact details will be hidden from the hiring team - this information will only be revealed once candidates have been shortlisted for interview.