ARTIST ADVOCATE & PERSONAL ASSISTANT FOR A SENSORY CINEMA PROJECT IN LEWES at Different Planet Arts

We are a charity devising sensory theatre and inclusive arts events for children and young people with complex additional needs and their families to enjoy together. We are based in Lewes and make ambitious, entertaining and inspiring shows for our audiences in Sussex and the Southeast. We believe in a world where arts experiences and events are accessible to everyone and celebrated as part of the everyday cultural landscape.

Sensory Friendly Cinema Project
This exciting new approach to inclusive cinema seeks to address the exclusion and barriers that SEND families face when attending the cinema and other public arts events. We will be devising and delivering a new format that combines theatre, music, puppetry, play, and cinema to enable children and young people with complex disabilities and their families to access and enjoy these events in the best way possible for them. We are looking for an experienced personal assistant with arts experience to support some of our performers in the devising and delivery of this project.
This role involves assisting three talented neurodiverse artists throughout the duration of an exciting collaborative cinema project based in East Sussex. The project consists of four weekends of sensory cinema screenings across the year, after an initial development and production period in May & June each subsequent weekend will be proceeded by 2-3 days of rehearsal for our team. The subsequent weekend screenings will be in September, December and March 2027 (please see below for detail. Rehearsals will take place in Brighton and all screenings will be at The Depot Cinema in Lewes.
You will be there to help each of the neurodiverse
performers artistic / creative, personal care-related, travel, and administrative related tasks throughout the duration of this innovative Sensory Friendly Cinema Project. This project is a collaboration between DPA, Carousel, The Depot, and Figment Arts.
. It is important for you to be pro-active and have an ability to read situations and to determine how you can best assist each artist, in a multitude of contexts.
We are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality of opportunity, an understanding of the barriers that prevent full participation in society by marginalised or excluded groups, how these barriers can be removed, and a passion for the arts.
You will be working alongside the artists to ensure they fulfill their creative potential in this project, giving the right assistance by listening carefully, following instructions in detail, and advocating for each individual with respect, empathy, and energy. You will be a great communicator and listener, as well as a true companion.
This role will suit you if you want to work within a friendly, hard-working, energetic small team working throughout Sussex and beyond.
Come and join us!
Key Responsibilities

Artist support throughout the project
Support driving/ or public transport to the performance venue (Lewes) for the rehearsal week and the production weekends (The Depot, Lewes)
Assisting with rehearsals, performances, photoshoots and any other creative work commitments
Support in completing daily tasks as required in relation to the artist and the project
Provide emotional support and monitor/help to manage physical conditions
Must be registered as self employed and have current DBS
Personal Specification

Experience working as an artist advocate and/or personal assistant
Experience in supporting people with disabilities and a good understanding of neurodiversity
Be committed to equality and diversity
Experience working in the arts sector and performance
Ability to work flexibly with compassion and empathy at all times
Ability to advocate on artists' behalf where the situation arises
Able to commit to open and honest communication at all times without judgment
Fluency in English
An excellent degree of sensitivity and patience
Good social awareness and understanding
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Close attention to detail
A flexible approach – ready to inherit new tasks, and to assist in different environments in a focused, calm and reliable manner
A genuine respect for individual tastes and desires
Happy to assist during unusual hours or at short notice when required
Has driving license and independent means of transport
An Understanding of person centered working
Excellent team working skills
Passionate about Different Planet Arts' mission

To apply for the post:

Please email us for our application pack
Fill in the application forms & send a CV, or video or audio- use the method that you prefer. Ultimately, we want to know why you’d be great at this role. But please ensure that you include your experience pertinent to the role, your skills and qualifications and how they match the person specification. Contact Ariane at ariane@differentplanetarts.org.uk

Interviews will be on 30th March in Brighton at Community Base