Magnetic North is inviting applications for a new Artist Employee, beginning in spring 2026.
Based in Edinburgh, Magnetic North combines producing and touring new theatre with an extensive programme of artist development and support. We’re a small but dynamic team of three – Artistic Director, Producer, and Artist Development Manager – and we’re now looking to welcome an artist into our core team for one year.
This role is designed as both a development opportunity and a collaborative partnership – a chance to gain experience working within a producing organisation, contribute to artistic and strategic decisions, and develop your own practice with financial and practical support.
About Magnetic North
For over 25 years, Magnetic North has been dedicated to nurturing artists and making original, award-winning theatre. Our work includes acclaimed productions such as We Will Hear The Angels, Lost in Music, Aberdeen, and Stories from Here, created in collaboration with partners like Southbank Centre, Tramway, and National Theatre of Scotland.
Since launching our Artist Development strand in 2006, we’ve supported over 200 artists across theatre, music, visual art, and film – helping them to explore new ideas, refresh their practice, and make ambitious new work.
The role: Artist Employee
The Artist Employee role offers the security and structure of part-time paid work (0.4 FTE, equivalent to two days per week for a year) while maintaining flexibility for your own artistic commitments. Together with the successful applicant, we’ll design a personalised work plan to align with your goals and practice – whether that’s spreading work across the year or working full-time in concentrated periods.
This opportunity is ideal for an artist who is curious about artistic leadership and wants to experience how a producing company operates from the inside.
You’ll spend part of your time developing your own work or practice (with a dedicated £4,000 budget and in-kind support), and part contributing to Magnetic North’s creative and strategic activity – including producing, artist support, facilitation and governance.
Artistic Practice
Develop new or existing creative work with financial and producing support.
Collaborate with our team to seek additional funding where needed.
Facilitation & Development
Observe and assist in leading our Space/Time creative retreat.
Support the delivery of Rough Mix, our cross-artform creative lab.
Engage with artists taking part in residencies or commissions.
Producing & Strategy
Assist the Producer with touring and production delivery.
Contribute to funding applications and reports.
Collaborate on marketing, communications, and company strategy.
Leadership & Governance
Attend Board meetings to understand company governance.
Contribute to the refinement of Magnetic North’s mission, policies, and partnerships.
Help shape future artist development activity.
We’re seeking an experienced artist (minimum five years’ practice) with:
A strong interest in artistic leadership and collaboration.
Experience across independent or cross-artform performance.
An understanding of the Scottish theatre landscape.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and representation in the arts.
You’ll bring curiosity, clarity, and generosity – and a willingness to grow both artistically and professionally.
In line with our commitment to addressing underrepresentation in arts leadership, we will prioritise applications from Global Majority artists for this role.
Job details
Contract: 0.4 FTE (2 days/week average, flexible)
Duration: 1 year (April 2026 – March 2027)
Salary: £13,520 (£33,800 FTE)
Holidays: 12 days (equivalent to 30 days pro rata)
Benefits: Workplace pension, flexible working, cycle-to-work scheme
Location: Hybrid — from home and at Magnetic North’s Summerhall office, Edinburgh
Magnetic North is committed to equality of access and participation in all areas of our work. We believe that everyone has the right to artistic expression, and we value the richness that comes from different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
We actively seek to collaborate with artists who reflect the diversity of our society and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable environment across all our programmes.
How to apply
Please email recruitment@magneticnorth.org.uk with:
A covering letter explaining why you’re interested and how you meet the person specification.
An up-to-date CV.
(Optional) Complete our Equalities Monitoring Form.
Read the full recruitment pack here.
Read previous Artist Employee Alice Mary Cooper’s testimonial here.
Applications close Friday 19 December at 12 noon.
Interviews will take place Tuesday 27 January, with notifications by Friday 16 January.
We held an online Q&A about the position on Friday 7 November, 10am – 11.30am. This was open to anyone who would like to find out more about the opportunity and the ways it could work before making an application. You can view the recording here (password is .tR7c^01).
For an informal chat or access support, contact Anna Hodgart at anna@magneticnorth.org.uk.