Freelance creative facilitator needed for library project with the British Library
and Reestablish- Summer Programme
Deadline for expressions of interest: 9am Monday 8th of June
Fee £1295
The British Library is seeking a freelance creative facilitator to lead the delivery of a
project with young people aged 11-18 in South Leeds. Working closely with the
Reestablish team and the British Library, the freelancer will co-design, plan and deliver
a series of sessions as part of their summer programme.
The role will include engaging with a group of young people from Reestablish to
respond creatively to part of our British Library maps collection. The British Library has
a vast collection of maps and globes from around the world and across the centuries.
They include maps made for way-finding, fantasy, fiction, propaganda, play, self-
expression and satire. A selection of our maps can be seen online at
https://www.bl.uk/collection.
In the sessions we’d like the creative facilitator to support the young people to
participate in a creative activity where they are able to experiment with different
artforms, exploring the theme of ‘mapping a personal journey’, where young people can
start to visualise their own experiences from their beginning to where they want to be as
they grow older.
We expect the creative facilitator to plan the sessions in collaboration with the
Reestablish youth workers, who will identify the art forms they would like the young
people to participate in, and deliver their vision. As part of the co-creation process the
Reestablish team will identify an artist practitioner they would like the young people to
work with, and your role would be to liaise with the artist(s), facilitate the sessions with
the young people and artist(s), enabling them to explore the themes of mapping in the
chosen art form, e.g. mosaics, textiles, sculpture etc.
We anticipate that the work created will then be displayed at their Holbeck venue, The
Loft, installed at a later date.
The British Library and Reestablish
The British Library has a growing programme of activities in South Leeds. Since 2022
we have worked in partnership with Reestablish on a series of projects. Evaluation of
our collaborations has found that young participants developed a range of skills and
experienced positive therapeutic impacts including building friendships, confidence, self-
esteem, social and cultural capital.
The project
The project sessions will take place in Beeston or Holbeck at either Hillside Enterprise
Centre, Leeds, LS11 8ND/ or venue tbc on the following days:
Tuesday 11 August
Wed 12 August
Thursday 13 August
Each four-hour session will take place from 4 to 8 pm, and the creative facilitator along
with Reestablish staff will be expected to be at every session, set up from 3 pm and
pack down after each session ends.
The sessions will take place during the summer holidays as part of the Reestablish
summer programme. Physical activities and food will also be woven through these
days, which will be implemented by the Reestablish team.
The lead facilitator will be responsible for:
The planning and facilitation of the creative activity at every session
Liaise with artist freelancer(s) delivering sessions and support their delivery of
the sessions
Support each young person to take part fully in the way that works best for them
Work closely with Reestablish staff, holding space and relationships to ensure
that the project is delivered with sensitivity to the needs and life experiences of
the young participants
Plan what materials are needed for each session and provide a list to the British
Library project lead in good time for them to be procured
Lead the production of risk assessments for the sessions
Take part in regular progress and planning meetings with the wider project team.
We expect the creative facilitator to shape this in collaboration with the wider team:
Activities to help young people settle into the group and project
Introduction and maintenance of the boundaries we will work within to keep
everyone psychologically safe
Help young people get to know the British Library and the work we do nationally
as well as locally
Ensuring the creative sessions respond to the British Library collection and stay
connected to the themes of mapping personal journeys.
Hold space at the beginning and end of each session to ensure everyone is fully
engaged in the process of making and responding to the themes and aims set
out for each day
Meet the needs of the young individuals, and staff so they are all supported to
engage in the project in a way that works for them
Reestablish will recruit a number of young people from their own pool of participants
and from the local area. We anticipate the group to be made up of 24 young people
(maximum).
There will be 2 Reestablish youth workers working for every session to support the
creative freelance facilitator and freelance artist practitioners.
There is a project budget to purchase art materials to explore in the creative sessions –
this will be dependent on art form.
A payment schedule will be agreed aligning with the delivery of the project.
Scope
The British Library will administer any procurement, marketing and finance processes
upon provision of necessary information by agreed deadlines.
The young participants will be recruited through Reestablish, and the staff will be
integral to the project to provide their expertise, support the young people and help
ensure the best possible experience for them. Reestablish staff will be present at every
session, will lead on recruitment, safeguarding and on communications with young
people between sessions.
Fees
A fee of £1295 is available to deliver this brief, to cover the freelancer’s fees,
subsistence and travel expenses. All other project costs will be paid for separately by
the British Library or Reestablish.
Criteria
Essential:
Experience of working with vulnerable young people
Accessible and engaging interpersonal skills
Experience of planning and delivering participatory creative activity
Strong organisational skills
All individuals working with young people must adhere to our Safeguarding Policy,
which will be provided on appointment. This role will require an Enhanced DBS Check
including a check of the Barred List, which the British Library will administer.
The Library’s standard Conditions of Contract for the supply of goods and services will
apply. These are available on request and will be supplied to the selected person.
Quotation process
To express your interest please send the following to [email protected]
by 9am Monday 8 June 2026:
An email outlining your interest in this project and your skills and experience that
are relevant to the criteria
A relevant example of a project you have delivered
Your CV
Details of two referees
Interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates.
Please also get in touch if you have any questions.
