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Associate Programme Producer

RWA (Royal West of England Academy)

Job Description

About the RWA 

Located in a spectacular Grade II* listed building in the heart of the city of Bristol, the RWA is the UK’s only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery. We are proud to bring world-class visual art from around the world to the south-west, and we have done so since 1844. Our vision is to be a place that welcomes, inspires, and enriches the lives of all people from all communities and all backgrounds through art and creativity. 

Role Description 

We are looking to welcome an Associate Programme Producer to join the team who will work closely with the Head of Exhibitions as well as in collaboration with the wider team to help shape, produce and deliver a dynamic programme of public events.  

The RWA Exhibitions team delivers an ambitious year-round programme of exhibitions, publications and events, alongside the care and display of our permanent collection. Each year this includes three major ticketed exhibitions of historic and contemporary art and architecture, from the much-loved Annual Open Exhibition to bold summer shows designed to reach new and diverse audiences.  

Over the next two years we want to expand our programme public events – talks and live events – into a dynamic, values-led offer that engages a broad range of audiences and deepens connections with our exhibitions and ideas. 

The role will focus on building a commercially sustainable model through careful planning, budgeting and income generation while maintaining creative ambition and accessibility.   

This role will suit someone at an early stage of their career and offers a unique balance of learning and leadership. You will contribute your own insights while gaining hands-on experience in programme development, production, and project management. Beyond the day-to-day, you’ll be supported by dedicated mentorship, training, and access to and engagement with industry networks. 

Including everyone 

RWA recognises that each of us bring our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique perspectives to what we do. You may not have direct experience of a cultural organisation but you may have relevant experience in a different setting. 

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome applications from those who bring balance to our organisation. We, therefore, welcome applications from people with characteristics currently underrepresented in our governance and will offer an interview to those who meet our minimum requirements and are global majority (including multi/dual mixed heritage); identify as non-binary, trans and/or LGBTQ+; have a recognised disability, or are neurodiverse. 

 Inclusive recruitment aims to remove barriers for people included in the above description, so that they have a more equitable opportunity of being invited for interview if they meet essential criteria. 

Required skills

Person Specification

Essential Desirable
Knowledge
  • Knowledge and interest in the visual arts and live event programming
  • Commercial awareness, with a focus on income generation and financial planning
  • Awareness of current museum and gallery practice.
  • Experience of working with communities in Bristol and the South West.
Experience 
  • Proven, paid experience in project management, research, artist liaison, facilitator or production role within the creative or heritage industries.
  • Experience delivering quality customer service.
  • Proven experience working within budgets and generating income for events or programmes.
  • Experience in the practical delivery of events, from logistics to on-the-day management.
  • Paid experience of working in a museum, heritage attraction or art gallery
Skills and attributes  
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of individuals, including artists, creatives, and audience members.
  • Highly organised, able to manage a varied workload with accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
  • Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet fixed deadlines.
  • Effective communicator, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to master new software platforms.
  • Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to find solutions to challenges that arise during programme delivery.
  • Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple concurrent projects.
  • Understanding of and commitment to embedding equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles across all programming activities.
  • Ability to master new software programmes.
Circumstances 

 
  • Prepared to work flexible hours as required by the schedule.