Expression of Interest (EOI) – Community Arts Project Coordinator

Overview Somerset Regional Council is seeking a proposal from experienced creative practitioners or arts professionals to coordinate the development and delivery of a community-led arts and cultural activities program across the Somerset region, as part of the Harvesting the Future project. Council is seeking to engage an individual or business to deliver the scope of services outlined below, based at The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery, working with young people, families, schools and community groups to plan and deliver creative workshops, media and storytelling activities. About The Harvesting the Future project is supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Purpose The project aims to strengthen community connections, build drought and climate resilience, and explore the future of regional agricultural communities. All activities will support the approved aims and outcomes of the project. Scope At the direction of Council Officers, the contractor(s) will deliver the following scope of services: Coordinate the development and delivery of community-led creative workshops, media projects and storytelling activities aligned with the objectives of the Harvesting the Future project Engage young people, farming families, schools, artists and community organisations in project planning and delivery Develop and facilitate creative activities that promote youth leadership, intergenerational learning, community connection and drought resilience Coordinate artists and creative practitioners to support the delivery of workshops, residencies and related activities Support community engagement, promotion and participation across the Somerset Region Monitor project participation and outcomes, maintain appropriate project records and contribute to reporting requirements associated with the grant Ensure activities are inclusive, accessible and delivered within agreed project timelines and budgets Project planning and coordination Prepare and maintain a project implementation plan outlining key activities, milestones, delivery schedules, resource requirements and coordination arrangements Coordinate project activities, people and facilitators, manage scheduling and delivery, maintain project records, monitor progress and identify any issues or risks Youth and community creative resilience programs Coordinate the delivery of 12 podcasting workshops and associated creative development opportunities for young people, supporting the development of media, communication, storytelling and leadership skills Coordinate a minimum of 24 community creative resilience activities across the Somerset Region, incorporating workshops, storytelling, creative activities and opportunities for intergenerational knowledge sharing Exhibition development and project legacy Assist with the coordination and development of the Harvest Biennale exhibition at The Condensery, anticipated for December–February 2028, bringing together creative works and project outcomes Support the collation, preservation and sharing of project outputs, including photography, oral histories and other creative works, through appropriate Council platforms such as Somerset Stories, venues and community networks Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Monitor project delivery against agreed milestones, participation targets, approved budgets and grant funding requirements Maintain accurate records of activities, participation, contributors and project outcomes, and coordinate the collection of evaluation feedback and supporting evidence Provide regular progress updates and contribute information, documentation and evidence required by Council for project reporting and grant acquittal Support knowledge sharing and the transfer of project learnings to Council staff, local creative practitioners and community partners Contractor Requirements The successful proposal will demonstrate: Connections within the Somerset arts and culture sector, or demonstrated capacity to establish meaningful local partnerships Experience delivering workshops or creative activities for diverse audiences, particularly young people, families and regional communities Strong skills in community engagement, workshop facilitation, project coordination and stakeholder collaboration Strong organisational, communication, administration and reporting skills Appropriate checks, licences and insurances relevant to the engagement, including a current Blue Card when undertaking child-related work where required The contracted practitioner(s) will be required to: Provide an indicative hourly rate Confirm business and GST status Hold relevant insurances Have an ABN Provide risk assessments where required Information Requested Interested applicants are invited to submit a proposal which should include: A brief overview of relevant experience and qualifications of the practitioner(s) Examples of comparable community arts, cultural development or creative engagement programs An outline of relevant local networks, partnerships or experience working in regional communities