Help shape arts funding in Wales – Become an Arts Associate

Do you have experience in the arts, culture or creative industries? Could your professional expertise or lived experience help shape fair, inclusive funding decisions affecting individuals, organisations and communities?

We are looking for independent experts and practitioners to join a new cohort of Arts Associates who will help assess grant applications and support the development of our funding programme.

What does an Arts Associate do?

Arts Associates help bring independent expertise and fresh perspectives to our work. By drawing on a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experience, they help ensure our funding decisions are fair, transparent and informed by the communities we serve across Wales.

Depending on your skills and experience, opportunities may include:

• Reviewing grant applications
• Contributing to assessment and decision‑making panels
• Providing specialist advice and insight
• Supporting the development of funding programmes and initiatives

Who should apply?

We're keen to hear from people with experience across the arts, culture and creative sectors, including expertise in areas such as:

• Artist and/or creative professional
• Business development, income generation and enterprise
• Climate justice
• Cultural exchange
• Cymraeg in the arts
• Equalities, diversity and inclusion
• Health/care sector experience (NHS, Health Charities, Social Care)
• International & touring
• Mentoring, coaching and training
• Monitoring & evaluation
• Producing and project management
• Reviewing grant applications
• Venue & events management and programming

You don't need experience in every area, we’re interested in hearing from people who can bring specialist knowledge, sound judgement and fresh perspectives to our work from a variety of different backgrounds.

We are particularly keen to hear from people whose lived experience will help ensure our decision‑making reflects the diversity of Wales, including people who are:

• Disabled
• Deaf
• LGBTQIA+
• Based in rural areas
• Ethnically and culturally diverse
• From lower socio-economic backgrounds
• Aged between 18‑30
• Have caring responsibilities

How it works

Associates will be engaged by Arts Council of Wales as freelancers and matched to opportunities based on their expertise and experience. The indicative fee is £300 per day (8 hours) or £150 per half day (4 hours).

Please note that Associates are engaged on an ad‑hoc basis and we cannot guarantee work. Opportunities will be offered as they arise and where they match an individual's expertise and experience. Associates should also be able to participate in online meetings via Microsoft Teams and will be expected to maintain confidentiality and declare any conflicts of interest where appropriate.

Key dates

Shortlisting outcomes communicated: 24th August 2026

Decisions, contracts and training arrangements communicated: 14th September 2026

Interested in applying?

To apply, please complete this online expression of interest form before Friday 24th July 2026 at 1pm. Please note after submitting your personal details you can either choose to answer the further questions via the online form or to upload a video.

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