Today we’re launching our search for 5 part-time staff members to form the next Sensory Collective team. Sensory Collective works to co-create sensory arts projects with people who face multiple barriers to accessing mainstream arts activities. 

 

We will appoint 4 Sensory Artists and 1 Producer who will work collaboratively on between 1-3 new projects co-created with people who are neurodivergent and/or disabled between 1 November 2026 and 31 January 2028. 

 

Projects will be co-created, so we don’t expect (or want) artists to have a fixed idea of what the outcomes of a project might be, but instead be led by shared interests, to co-design their projects with the people they work with. 

 

If you’re interested in any of the jobs below, we’ll be holding an online Q&A via Zoom on Wednesday 15 July at 12noon. Email jobs@independentartsprojects.com to attend. 

 

The appointed team will be supported by Biff Nicolson as Associate Artist & Mentor throughout the project. Biff was one of the original Sensory Collective cohort alongside Kirstin Georgia Abraham, Max Alexander, Dr Sonia Allori, Nina Doherty, Niroshini Thambar and Joanna Young. The project included opportunities for sharing practice/learning, attending training, reading and connecting with other practitioners.

 

Co-created projects included: 

  • Function Schmunction, an autistic play space led by Max Alexander 
  • NeuroQueer Cabaret, which became Biff Nicolson’s We Dream Here project. 
  • Playing with the Elements, by Kirstin Abraham, working with neurodivergent families outdoors throughout the seasons (see image above by Kat Gollock)
  • Sensory Movement workshops for Elders by Joanna Young, taking place at Dixon Community in Govanhill in Glasgow’s southside.  
  • 100s of 1-to-1 and small group experiences in homes, gardens, schools, care spaces.  

 

Sensory Collective is made possible through funding from Culture Collective, a Creative Scotland/Scottish Government initiative that ensures at least 50% of the fund goes directly to artists fees & wages, and that contracts are a minimum of six months in duration. (It’s a great fund).


This project completely changed who we are as a company, moving from an arts organisation where we worked with artists on a short-term basis, to an organisation where there are multiple opportunities for artists to have meaningful employment, increased job security and space to develop their practice. 

 

I hope you’ll take a look or share with anyone you think might suit or be interested in these roles. 

Thanks for supporting IAP. 

Take care, 
Mhari & Team IAP (Biff, Chloe, Eilidh, Noémie, Saffy, Sara & Ketchup)

PS – Many thanks for all the thoughtful replies after our last email. 

Sensory Producer (0.8 FTE / 4 days / 28hrs per week) 
£32,000 per year (£25,600 actual). 18 month contract
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 24 August 2026
Start date: Week of 28 September 2026. 
Go to: independentartsprojects.com/producer-sensory-collective/

Sensory Artist – 4 jobs (0.6 FTE / 3 days / 21hrs per week) 
£32,000 per year (£19,200 actual). 15 month contract 
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 21 September 2026
Start date: week of 2 November 2026.
Go to: independentartsprojects.com/sensory-artist/

Photo credits: Kat Gollock
Sensory Collective logo: Max Alexander

Independent Arts Projects gratefully acknowledges support from Creative Scotland & Culture Collective.