Join the State of the Arts team!

 

We’re expanding our editorial and writer teams this Autumn! Want to get involved with The State of the Arts? Check out the editor, content creator or writer opportunities below and get in touch…

Please note: The State of the Arts is an entirely volunteer-led organisation and as such all roles are on a voluntary bases.

Writer

 

CONTRIBUTE ORIGINAL, ENGAGING, CONTENT.

Our writers are searching for their own stories. You’ll need to be great with words, but will also need the independence and creativity to form thoughts and follow arguments through. Opinions are important; presenting them in a compelling way is vital. You will pitch ideas to us, then reach out to artists and organisations yourself to create material, so should be a confident networker.

PICK UP KEY COMMISSIONING OPPORTUNITIES.

The TSOTA editors occasionally seek coverage opportunities for you, especially interviews and reviews. We encourage you to take these on when possible, as you’ll experience great art and meet great artists and people. These will often be with higher profile subjects, so will gain you larger exposure and be even better for your portfolio.

FOLLOW TSOTA VISION AND VIBE.

We exist to explore arts, culture and politics in our communities. Writers need to want to explain, uncover and amplify the arts. [mention content types] Like any professional journal, we have guidelines for what you should write about and how you should write it. Our Editors are on hand to support you with this, so that pieces are site-ready and your writing can improve. We do require you to be a decent standard with some experience under your belt before starting, but ultimately we want you to hone your craft with us.

To apply:

• Let us know why you’re interested in the role and TSOTA generally – email [email protected]
• Send links to or examples of your writing
• Provide a pitch for an article you’d like to write – you don’t need to write it but just show us the sort of thing you’re interested in

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Editor

 

EDITING AND PUBLISHING.

We have a steady stream of content on our site which needs to reach the right editorial standards before going live. Working with our contributors, you’ll make sure content going on our site is honest, engaging and fits our guidelines. Experience with a CMS like WordPress is desirable; an accurate eye, strong organisational and English writing skills are a must.

COMMISSIONING COVERAGE.

You’ll seek new opportunities for The State of the Arts, be it through any of the following: arranging coverage of emerging cultural scenes; reaching out to organisations for partnerships; inviting writers to cover certain topics or events; and sourcing high profile individuals for interviews.

COORDINATING OUR WRITER NETWORK.

Our writers have varied interests and experience levels, but all provide us with quality content. We want them to keep writing for us and to feel a part of the TSOTA community – managing the network, from sharing writing opportunities to checking in on them, will make a big difference to our performance over time.

GENERAL PROJECT SUPPORT

We occasionally pursue additional projects – like fundraising, partnership building and panel events – whilst managing the overall TSOTA project, which can involve recruiting new team members or updating systems. You’ll give the team a hand with these and work on areas that suit your interest or skill set best.

To apply:

• Let us know why you’re interested in the role and TSOTA generally – email [email protected]
• Send us links to any writing or editorial work you’ve done previously
• Provide an idea for a piece you’d commission – could be an event, an opinion piece, an interview – anything you believe would be right for TSOTA
• Email [email protected] who will send an article that needs editing – we don’t publish it, we just want to see your approach and that you understand our style

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Digital Content Editor / Creator

 

CREATE QUALITY CONTENT

As our digital channels grow, we’re looking for creative individuals that can help produce content. This could be video and graphic design for socials, photography to support articles, recording and editing audio for podcasts… or all three! Some experience with tools and software like Capcut, Canva or Adobe CC is ideal; a passion for digital journalism and cut-through content is vital.

HELP LOOK AFTER OUR SOCIALS

You’ll also be working with our Social Media Editor on pulling content together and managing the accounts. Our social media strategy is more than just posting – building networks, growing follower counts, and starting conversation online is all part of our digital brand. You’ll play a key role in making our socials slick and stand out.

FOLLOW OUR JOURNALISM GUIDELINES

It’s important that our content fits with our storytelling and journalism identity, so we’ll need people that are happy sticking to our guidelines. Ideas on what we can tweak are always welcome, as long as it feels TSOTA!

To apply:

• Let us know why you’re interested in the role and TSOTA generally
• Send links to your previous work
• If interested in the role, email [email protected] and she will send a brief for a one-off task – the outcome won’t go anywhere, this is just to see your style and approach

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About us…

 

The State of the Arts is an independent Leeds-based journalistic outlet focused on the cultural scene within the city and its neighbours in West Yorkshire. Art, music, film/theatre, politics etc – if it’s any kind of culture we’re interested.

We exist to explore the cultural scene, to elevate it – absorb it and amplify it to a wider audience. From huge city-wide projects such as LEEDS 2023 to independent artists and studios. Everything we do is with a purpose to shine a light on this creatively rich region. We exist to support our friends in the arts world. By joining our team, you’ll be making a difference to creatives, organisations and venues in your city, as they bounce back from a challenging few years.

With close links across the local cultural sector, there are boundless opportunities to get involved with and document cultural scenes & moments. Joining our team is a chance to gain journalistic experience that can not only set you apart, but will introduce you to the exciting world of arts and culture in the region.

There are a few key things we need contributors to be driven by, here are the essential motives TSOTA contributor:

• A passion for arts and culture.
• An interest in the Leeds/West Yorkshire scenes and emerging talent.
• Taking care and being accurate with your work and how you represent us.
• Promoting diversity through our coverage.
• The next big thing… culture is an ever-changing beast, we want you to be there at the forefront.