Trainee Creative Artists
Are you someone who loves being creative?
Would you like to share that creativity with others?
Would you like to support others to express themselves through creative arts?
If so, you could be exactly right for our trainee programme!
We are looking for passionate creatives who would like to learn and develop creative facilitation skills with the intention of continuing to work in community and arts settings.
Through a combination of structured training, one‑to‑one mentoring, and hands‑on placements within community settings, trainees will develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to support people in expressing themselves creatively.
Whether your practice is in music, visual arts, performance, or another creative form, this programme represents a wonderful opportunity to learn how to use the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift.
Trainee Creative Artists
Who is The Trainee Programme for?
This Trainee Programme is for people (over 18 yrs old):
That are interested in developing creative facilitation skills
Who have been developing their creative passion or skills for at least 1 year
Who are committed to developing inclusive practice
Who are passionate about the positive impact creative expression can have for individuals and groups.
What do we mean by ‘creative passions or skills?’ Some examples could be someone who:
Jams with mates on the weekend
Sings in a singing circle
Volunteers and paints at a local school with children
Is a performer in a choir
Dances in a local salsa group
Takes part in poetry and spoken word events
The more diverse our workforce is, the better we can engage with and support people of all backgrounds to fulfil their potential.
For this reason, we want to encourage and support people with protected characteristics or who experience barriers accessing creative opportunities and education to access this traineeship and will actively work with people to remove those barriers.
What is Creative Facilitation?
Creative Facilitation is guiding groups of people through processes that encourage creativity, collaboration, self-expression, increasing wellbeing and autonomy – this can be done using any art form.
How will the ATN Traineeship benefit me?
As an ATN Trainee you will:
Receive training from experts in the field, including 1:1 mentor support
Learn skills to guide people through creative processes
Learn techniques for fostering collaboration and innovation
Develop new practical skills in facilitating community arts projects
Practice your skills and passions in real community arts settings, working with real community members
Receive a bursary to compensate for your time
Be supported via access support e.g. PA, travel costs
Join a network of community artists
Could this be you? If you would like to apply then please read all the information on this page carefully, and then submit your application by 1st November 2026.
Expectations
To get the most out of the All Together Now (ATN) trainee programme, we are looking for applicants who can commit to the full programme and actively engage in all aspects of the experience.
Time commitment and programme requirements
The traineeship runs over six months and includes a combination of training, mentoring, placement activity and reflective learning.
Trainees will be expected to:
Commit to the full six-month programme, including all scheduled training days, mentoring sessions, placement activities and celebration events.
Engage in monthly one-to-one mentoring sessions, either online or in person (session times can be agreed with learning mentors)
Take responsibility for documenting and reflecting on personal learning and development through reflective journals, logs or other agreed methods.
Practice good self-awareness and self-care
Key Dates for 2027:
Tuesday 6th Jan: ATN Welcome
Tuesday 19th Jan: Intro to trauma informed practice, safeguarding vulnerable people, boundaries and PSP’s
Weds 10th Feb: Inclusive practice & Working with mixed groups and dynamics
Friday 19th Feb: Principles of creative facilitation
Tuesday 2nd March: Practical tool kit
Friday 19th March: Planning and reflection
Professional Expectations
As trainees will be working directly with individuals and communities, delivering and supporting inclusive creative activity, it is important that they can demonstrate the following throughout the programme:
A commitment to attending all agreed sessions, placements and events punctually and reliably.
A respectful, inclusive and professional approach when working with participants, colleagues, mentors and partner organisations.
A willingness to learn, receive feedback and develop their practice. The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute positively to the learning environment.
An understanding of the importance of creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all participants.
A commitment to representing ATN positively and upholding the values of the programme.
Requirements and desired criteria
Essential Requirements:
Empathy and emotional awareness – an ability to understand, support and respond sensitively to the needs, experiences and perspectives of others
Punctuality and reliability – a commitment to attending all placement sessions, mentoring meetings, training days and programme events on time and prepared to participate
Respect and professionalism – a respectful approach towards participants, staff, volunteers and partners, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Commitment to the role and programme – enthusiasm for the opportunity, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to completing all aspects of the placement and associated activities
Ability to work collaboratively – able to contribute positively as part of a team while building constructive relationships with others
Openness to learning and feedback – willing to reflect on experiences, accept feedback and use it to support personal and professional development
A broad range of creative skills and interests – experience of engaging in creative activities, arts practice or creative projects, whether professionally, educationally or personally
Desired criteria, or demonstrate a willingness to learn:
An understanding of the value of creativity and its impact – awareness of how creativity can support wellbeing, confidence, self-expression, learning and community connection
The ability to model creativity and openness – confidence to share ideas, explore new approaches and encourage others to participate in creative experiences
Adaptability and flexibility – able to respond positively to changing circumstances, different environments and the varying needs of participants
An interest in community arts and engagement – enthusiasm for working with people and supporting creative opportunities within community settings
Training bursary breakdown:
Community Arts Placement: Up to 25 sessions × 4 hours = 100 hours @ £20/hour = £2,000*
Mentor Support: 6 sessions × 1 hour = 6 hours @ £20/hour = £120
Welcome Day: 5 hours @ £20/hour = £100
Celebration Event: 5 hours @ £20/hour = £100
5 x Training Days: 5 hours @ £20/hour = £500
Session visits: 4 hours @ £20/hour = £80
Reflective practice @ £20/hour hours TBC
*MAXIMUM per placement - hours of delivery may vary
Travelling to sessions
Trainees are also able to receive bursaries for travel if the sessions are at a considerable distance, or if getting around is a barrier to access work.
Bursary and travel
How to apply
CLOSING DATE for our first cohort: 1st November 2026
Informal interviews online or in person: w/c 7th Nov 2026
Trainees start: Jan 2027
Please note:
All applicants are required to have an up to date DBS check. Please state at interview stage whether you require assistance in applying for these. This will not affect your application.
You have the option to submit written, video or audio applications via the online application
If you would like your application form in an alternative format, please email: alltogethernow@bristolbeacon.org
All Together Now is the flagship programme of the Impact Alliance. St Monica Trust is leading the project, with Bristol Beacon as the programme’s delivery partner. It is supported by Arts Council England, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the Grateful Society, and Sirona Care & Health, as well as local partners, artists, facilitators and community organisations.
