Contemporary Visual Arts Network West Midlands

Job Summary

This 18-month research initiative will explore the availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of creative work spaces for visual artists across Birmingham, producing actionable insights to support the city’s arts sector and inform future planning, advocacy, and investment.

We're excited to be launching Creative Work spaces: A Research Project & Action-led Report for Birmingham and are recruiting an experienced Research Lead to shape and deliver this ambitious city-wide project. This 18-month research initiative will explore the availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of creative work spaces for visual artists across Birmingham, producing actionable insights to support the city's arts sector and inform future planning, advocacy, and investment.

This role is ideal for an independent researcher, freelance consultant, or university research department with experience in participatory research, surveys, and sector engagement within arts and cultural contexts.

Key Dates

• Shortlisting Response:
  Friday 20 March 2026, 5:00pm
• Interviews (online):
  Monday 30 or Tuesday 31 March 2026

About the Role

• Fee: £12,500 total (inclusive of VAT and all associated costs)
• Hours:
  
  Research activity covering approximately 35 days total, spread across the contract period
• Location:
  
  Remote, with some in-person activity in Birmingham for engagement and meetings

Applicants are invited to contact Colette Griffin, CVAN WM Director, at colette[@] to book a 15-minute Zoom or phone conversation to discuss the role.

The project will:

• Map availability, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability of work spaces for visual artists
• Engage with artists, workspace providers, local authorities, and sector stakeholders
• Generate short-, mid-, and long-term recommendations to inform planning, policy, and investment

The project aligns with Birmingham's Strategic Framework for Culture, the Digbeth Companion Culture Strategy, and complementary research across the UK, and is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Research Lead will:

• Design and deliver a robust, inclusive research programme
• Lead on data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Engage artists, workspace providers, local authorities, and sector stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and facilitated forums
• Collaborate with consultants, the Project Manager, CVAN WM, and the Steering Group
• Produce a final written report and film-based report translating findings into actionable recommendations

This role may be undertaken by an individual researcher, freelance consultant, or university research department with the necessary expertise.

• Job Title:
  
  Research Lead (Freelance, Remote) Creative Work spaces: A Research Project & Action-led Report for Birmingham