We are looking to recruit six Freelance Artists to deliver nature-based creative workshops in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, as part of The Regrowth Programme.

 

Please note that we are currently recruiting Freelance Artists for our Autumn / Winter 2026-2027 workshops (see dates below). We will release a second Open Call opportunity to recruit six Freelance Artists for our Spring / Summer 2027 workshops later this year.

 

The Regrowth Programme

The Regrowth Programme is a nature-based creative health project that is funded by Arts Council England, University of Derby and the Arnold Clark Community Fund. We believe that engagement with nature and creativity can have a transformative impact on a person’s health and wellbeing.

 

The Regrowth Programme will have two strands of work:
 

1. Slow Sundays
   These are our monthly, artist-led creative workshops for adults living in Erewash who are experiencing social isolation, loneliness, and mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood or depression.
   
   We are recruiting Freelance Artists to deliver the Slow Sundays workshops.
    

2. Steering Group
   We are working hard to establish a multi-disciplinary group of individuals across the fields of art, health, nature connection, horticulture and community development. The group will support us in the development of our nature-based approach to creative health.

 

The Brief

We are interested in creative workshops that offer participants an opportunity to slow down, experiment, connect with others and develop a relationship with the natural environment. 

We are particularly interested in creative workshops that include one or more of the following:

 

• Work with natural materials that are connected to the local landscape and/or grown, gathered, made or sourced within the Midlands. 

• Respond to the changing seasons.

• Observe nature and engage creatively with the outdoor environment.

• Use sustainable or regenerative approaches to materials and creative processes.

• Create opportunities for sensory engagement with nature.

• Explore people’s relationships with nature.

 

We are open to different interpretations of nature-based creative practice and welcome proposals that approach nature connection in unexpected, imaginative or experimental ways.

As the preparation time for this opportunity is limited, we encourage artists to propose workshops that build on an existing creative practice or activity that they have previously developed and tested.

 

Key Responsibilities
 

• Design and deliver an engaging nature-based creative workshop.

• Create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.

• Adapt activities to suit a range of abilities.

• Encourage creativity, curiosity, participation and social connection.

• Manage workshop materials and equipment responsibly.

• Work in line with our policies and procedures.

• Communicating any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns to the Slow Colour Yard CIC team.

 

The Regrowth Programme is a creative health project and is not a clinical or therapeutic service. Freelance Artists will not be expected to provide counselling, therapy or mental health support. 

 

Two members of the Slow Colour Yard CIC team will be present at every workshop and will take responsibility for participant safeguarding and appropriate practical and emotional support. Freelance Artists will be responsible for creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive creative environment and should raise any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns with the Slow Colour Yard CIC team. 

 

Essential Criteria
 

• A professional artistic practice in any creative discipline.

• An Enhanced DBS issued within the last three years.

• Public Liability Insurance of at least £5 million, covering the delivery of participatory workshops and artistic activities with adults. 

• Ability to plan and deliver engaging, accessible and inclusive creative workshops for adults with a range of abilities and experience levels.

• Ability to adapt workshop content and delivery in response to participants’ needs and circumstances.

• Commitment to creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all participants.

• Ability to work independently and manage workshop preparation, materials and resources effectively.

 

Desirable Criteria
 

• Experience of delivering creative activities in a community or wellbeing setting.

• Experience of working with adults experiencing social isolation or loneliness.

• Experience of working with adults experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, low mood or depression.

• Experience of working outdoors and adapting creative activities to different weather and environmental conditions.

• Knowledge or understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

 

Location
The creative workshops will take place at:

 

Long Eaton Community Garden, 

Norfolk Road Allotments, 

Norfolk Road, 

Long Eaton, 

NG10 2BL.
 

The workshops will take place outdoors in a range of weather conditions. Artists should consider how their proposed activity could be adapted for cold, wet or windy conditions. 

 

Sheltered areas are available on site and may be used where appropriate. 

There is no access to mains electricity or WiFi on site.

​

There is no access to running water during the period of November to April.If your workshop requires water, Slow Colour Yard CIC can arrange for water to be brought to site in containers. Please identify any water requirements in your application. 

 

There are tables and chairs available to use.

 

Hot and cold refreshments will be provided.

 

There is an accessible compost toilet on site.

 

Dates / Times
 

We are recruiting six Freelance Artists, with each successful artist delivering one nature-based creative workshop on one of the dates listed below:
 

• Sunday 11 October 2026

• Sunday 8 November 2026

• Sunday 13 December 2026

• Sunday 10 January 2027

• Sunday 14 February 2027

• Sunday 14 March 2027
   

The creative workshops will run from 10am to 12pm.

 

Freelance Artists will be required to be on site from 9am to 1pm to allow time for workshop set-up and clean-up.

Please indicate your availability for all six dates in your application and, if you have a preferred date, let us know which date you would like to be considered for.

Artist Fee

 

Each Freelance Artist will receive a fee of £285 per workshop, which will be paid on completion of the workshop and receipt of invoice.

This is a freelance, self-employed position. Successful applicants will be engaged as independent contractors and will be responsible for managing their own tax and National Insurance contributions, as well as complying with all other legal obligations associated with self-employment.

Materials Budget

 

Each Freelance Artist will have a materials budget of £50 per workshop, which will be paid in advance upon receipt of an invoice.

 

This is separate from the artist fee and is specifically for workshop materials.

 

Freelance Artists will be responsible for managing this budget and will be required to retain and provide receipts for materials purchased. Any unused portion of the budget must be returned to Slow Colour Yard CIC.

 

Slow Colour Yard CIC has a range of tools and equipment that is available for the artists to use in addition to the materials budget. This includes tools and equipment for painting, printmaking, cyanotypes, marbling, natural colour making, weaving, and ceramics. Please contact us directly if you require the full list of tools and equipment.
 

Application Process

 

The deadline for applications is Friday 11th September 2026.

 

To apply, please send:
 

• An up-to-date CV.
   

• A short cover letter outlining your artistic practice, relevant experience and why you are interested in delivering these workshops. This can be submitted in written or video format. 
   

• A brief outline of your proposed workshop, including the materials required, intended participant experience and how the workshop connects with nature and/or the season. This can be included within your cover letter or submitted as a separate file. We are interested in the idea and creative approach rather than a fully developed session plan at this stage. 
   

• Your availability for the dates listed, and any preferred dates that you would like us to consider.
   

• Examples of your work, either through links to your website or social media, or as a PDF containing up to five images.
   

• The names and contact details of two referees who can comment on your professional practice and/or experience of delivering creative activities. At least one referee should be a current or recent professional client, employer or commissioner. References will only be contacted with the applicant’s permission.

Please send your application via email to Gina Mollett at: info@slowcolouryard.com
Please use the subject line ‘Freelance Artist Application’.

Successful candidates will be notified by Monday 14th September 2026.