Could you be our next Executive Committee member?
Recruiting new members for our Executive Committee
Scottish Artists Union: call for new members of the Executive Committee.
Could you chat with other artists and encourage them to join us? Do you want to be part of a dynamic group of union members working collectively to support the union’s strength and growth? Do you want to gain experience of arts administration? Can you share your knowledge of diversity and inclusive approaches? If yes, we want to hear from you!
Scottish Artists Union represent over 1600 visual artists, applied artists and makers working in Scotland. We work on behalf of our members, defending their rights, expanding their benefits, and fighting to make a professional career in the arts sustainable for all our members.
Who/what is the Executive Committee?
The strategic direction of the union is led by the membership through the Executive Committee (EC). All union members – Full, Associate and Graduate - are eligible to join and contribute to the Executive Committee. Having this structure ensures that artist practitioners set the agenda and contribute to the union’s development. Over the last 20 years volunteer members have influenced the agenda and improved working conditions for professional practicing artists and makers. We are looking to expand the breadth of skills and diversity on our Committee. All members can join -Full, Associate or Graduate. For a list of our current EC members go to https://www.artistsunion.scot/executive
The EC also takes forward any motions passed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Previously these motions have covered areas like climate change and Universal Basic Income. Since our strategic review in 2017 we have developed the structure of the EC to encompass more sub-groups where members can focus on a specific area of interest. The current sub-groups are: Finance; Staffing; Membership Recruitment; Climate and Sustainability; Intersectional and Graduates.
How much time do I need to commit?
We have a monthly EC meeting which is held online (usually Thursdays). Prior to the meeting, papers and reports are sent out with information on all aspects of the union. Sub-groups meet every 4-6 weeks.
What areas do we want to strengthen?
We are looking for members with an interest or experience of:
- Marketing, social media and communications
- Income generation and fundraising
- Membership recruitment
- HR resources and development
- Intersectional, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Digital inclusion and web design
- Studios/workshop spaces/safe working
- Issues affecting older artists: pensions; menopause etc.
In return for your time as an EC member you’ll gain valuable skills and contacts. This is useful if you are interested in a career in an administrative role in the arts or within the trade union movement. You can access training through the Scottish Trade Union Congress and other internal and external opportunities.
The main qualities we need from an EC member is enthusiasm; integrity, a team player, and a commitment to improving artists’ working lives, so don’t worry if you’re not sure which area you want to focus on. We can support you to find out what your strengths are.
The role is voluntary, but reasonable travel and other agreed fees and expenses will be reimbursed. Fee expenses are payable for attending some union related business. If you have caring commitments or access needs, we will aim to meet these.
EC members need to be a member of the union. To join go to: https://www.artistsunion.scot/join
Yearly union fees are £5.00 or £3.00 per month.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are committed to having an EC that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups in terms of race, religion, ability, gender, age, neurodiversity and socio-economic status.
To find out more and ask a few questions – send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll get in touch.
