Location: Hybrid (minimum one day per week in Basingstoke) with on-site delivery at events, festivals, community venues and partner locations
Contract: Fixed term, 10 months (July 2026 – April 2027), with potential extension to 2028 subject to performance and organisational needs
Time: 16 hours per week (2 days per week), with flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends
Salary: £37,000 per annum pro rata Reporting to: Artistic Director and CEO
Deadline: 10am, Monday 29th June 2026
About us
Kala The Arts is an award winning leading South Asian dance organisation delivering high-quality artistic projects and community programmes across indoor, outdoor and non-traditional innovative spaces. We work across festivals, community contexts and sector partnerships to champion excellence, participation and inclusion.
The Artistic Engagement and Production Manager will lead the planning and delivery of Arts and dance projects, engagement programmes and productions. The role spans creative production, event management and partnership development, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget and to an excellent artistic and operational standard.
Key responsibilities:
Production, Programme and Festival Delivery
- Lead planning and delivery of dance productions, community programmes, and indoor/outdoor Arts festivals (including Diwali Light It Up!).
- Manage timelines, budgets and quality standards across all activity.
Event and Production Management
- Coordinate bookings across multiple venues and sites.
- Oversee rehearsals, workshops and performances.
- Manage on-site delivery across events and tours.
Compliance and Safety
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and organisational policies.
- Develop and implement risk assessments, health and safety procedures, and environmental/quality standards.
- Take responsibility for the safety of audiences, performers, staff and volunteers.
Stakeholder and Partnership Management
- Liaise with artists, venues, councils, partners and suppliers.
- Build relationships with community groups and cultural organisations.
- Represent Kala The Arts at external meetings and sector networks.
Audience Development and Inclusion
- Develop strategies to grow and diversify audiences and reach new communities and geographic areas.
- Contribute to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) priorities.
- Support audience profiling and engagement tracking.
Arts Council and Reporting
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation, KPI development and reporting processes.
Administration and Communications
- Manage administration including stakeholder correspondence, project documentation and meeting attendance.
Practical Delivery
- Support physical set-up and de-rig, including dance staging where required.
Skills and experience required:
Essential
- Proven experience in arts/dance production management both outdoor and indoor.
- Demonstrable experience delivering mid-scale and large events (indoor and outdoor).
- Strong knowledge of event production logistics, scheduling and on-site operations.
- Experience in risk assessments, health and safety and compliance.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
- Strong communication skills and confidence liaising with diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to community-focused practice.
- Open minded approach will be valuable
Desirable
- Experience working in South Asian arts and/or with heritage-led engagement.
- Familiarity with Arts Council England funding, monitoring and reporting.
- Audience development experience, including profiling and data tracking.
- Clean driving licence and ability to travel for on-site delivery.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working with a minimum of one day per week in the Basingstoke office.
- Flexibility required for occasional evenings and weekends.
- The organisation provides resources as agreed; the postholder may be expected to use their own equipment unless otherwise agreed.
Contract and Payment
Payment monthly (via invoice or PAYE, to be agreed in advance).
Fixed-term: June 2026 – March 2027 (10 months), 16 hours per week.
Salary: £37,000 per annum pro rata.
Start date: As soon as possible
What our team say
“The autonomy I had in suggesting changes if I disagreed with the Artistic Director – that is unique about Kala The Arts, there is no pressure to conform.” – Tirna Sengupta Learning and Engagement Manager
“Kala The Arts has a collaborative and supportive working culture where creativity is encouraged, ideas are valued, and people are empowered. As a small charity, Kala is one of the best places to work”. – Ernie Dickson, Marketing Specialist
“Working in a small team at an ambitious charity means you have scope to make a real impact at a grassroots level. The Kala The Arts team welcomes new ways of thinking and diverse perspectives, making it a highly rewarding place to work.” – Ava Szajna-Hopgood, Digital Marketing Specialist
How to Apply
Please send a CV and a short covering statement outlining your relevant experience and why you are suitable for this role to office@kalathearts.co.uk with the subject line “Artistic Engagement and Production Manager Application.”
Deadline: 10am, Monday 29th June 2026
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Kala The Arts is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and actively encourage those currently under-represented in the arts workforce to apply. Accommodations for the application process are available on request.