Co-Creating Change Fundraiser Call-Out
What is the Co-Creating Change Network?
The Co-Creating Change Network was a national network of organisations, artists and grassroots organisations with social change at the heart of their work. The network ran programmes, supported commissions and advocated for a better understanding and appreciation of co-created practice, both in the arts sector and beyond from 2018-2022.
The Co-Creating Change Network (CCCN) was funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and Arts Council England to the sum of £790,000 over four years. The network was coordinated by Battersea Arts Centre and supported by a core working group of organisations across 5 regions of the UK.
(See ‘Further information about the network’ at the bottom of this doc for more context)
Next Steps
Through 2022-23 the Co-creating Change core working group were facilitated through an extensive mapping process to determine the need for a next iteration and discover a viable shape for the future of the network. The working group have a clear proposal for a distributed model of regional leads, who could drive forward key strands of work including ‘training’, ‘research’ ‘networks’ etc., with Knowle West Media Centre as the accountable body. There is a proposal to call it the ‘Co-creating Change Alliance’ instead of network. The full findings documents would be shared with the successful candidate.
The working group have strong relationships with the previous network funders and the resource for this bid writing work can hopefully unlock future resource to secure another 3 years of funding for another ‘Co-creating Change’. Without this the network, or ‘alliance’ will end.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with experience of securing large scale funding, through excellent bids and relationships with funders and partners. We need someone who can synthesise the in-depth review and development work done by the core working group and write this into a strong narrative and robust bids that could secure 250-500k for 3 years of activity.
Job description:
You will work with the CCCN core group members:
● Finalise our fundraising strategy
● Connect with and relate to KWMC funding strategy (as accountable body)
● Connect with and include strong funder partnerships
● Develop budgets
● Write funding applications - (anticipated this will need to be a mix of bids)
We anticipate the successful person will be a dynamic and motivated individual/s with a range of the following expertise and qualities:
● Experienced at securing large scale bids, with good budget knowledge
● Excellent writing skills
● Understanding of arts sector fundraising strategies
● Experience of working closely with funders and partners
● Excellent listening, communication and collaborative skills
● Knowledge of co-created practices
● Ability to work independently and proactively in a self-directed role
● An understanding of arts, cultural and community sectors
● The ability to listen and work collaboratively with a network
● Comfortable and confident with remote working
● Knowledge and experience of navigating political cultural landscape and current policies
Job Details:
Job Title: Fundraiser for Co Creating Change 2
Fee: £6,000 with additional travel, accommodation and access budget
Hours: Flexible
Responsible to: CCC core working group and KWMC
Application & Recruitment Process:
Application deadline: Rolling deadline. Expressions of interest no later than 14th February 2024
Start-Date: As soon as possible after an online interview and contracting.
Completion of contract: On submission of funding bids, anticipate by August 2024
How to apply:
Please email your CV and short covering letter outlining your availability and relevant experience to: martha.king@kwmc.org.uk.
Please also complete this online anonymous Equalities Monitoring Form: https://airtable.com/shrQjjEgK6UpHId22 the information you share will not be stored with, or linked to, your submission. Completing the form helps us understand whether we are reaching people from a range of backgrounds through our promotion of this opportunity.
If you have any access needs that require you to submit your proposal in another format, please get in touch by emailing: Martha.king@kwmc.org.uk or calling +44 (0) 117 903 0444 so we can help you find a suitable option.
All applications will be assessed according to the same criteria and submitting in a different format will not affect your chances of being selected merit.
We welcome and encourage applications from those currently underrepresented in our workforce and in the arts community; particularly any applicant who identifies as working-class, as a person of colour, transgender, non-binary or genderqueer, D/deaf, Blind, visually impaired, Disabled or Neurodivergent. We guarantee an interview for anyone who identifies as one or more of the above and fulfills the minimum requirements of the role. If you would like this to be a consideration in your application, please indicate in your application. We will not use your Equal opportunities form to assess your eligibility. All applications will be assessed on
Contact: Please get in touch with any questions. You can contact Martha by emailing
Martha.king@kwmc.org.uk or calling 0117 903 0444.
Further Information about Co-Creating Change:
The overarching objectives of the project were to:
● Develop a more collegiate and skilled sector by supporting the network to come together and share skills and knowledge
● Develop co-created practice by commissioning the development of new or existing co-created methodologies
● Better share, grow and spread methodologies by supporting a number of commissions to 'tour' nationally and/or internationally with multiple partners
● Develop the market for co-created practice by hosting an international marketplace event
● To work with funders, critics and policy makers to develop the conditions within which this work will flourish
The programme activity included:
● National network gatherings – twice yearly for all members
● Professional development sessions led by members for members
● Online space to share conversations and resources
● Commissions – ‘Project Commissions’ to develop and ‘Growth Commissions’ to grow methodologies for co-creation
● Culminating in an international marketplace of co-created practice
● A series of ‘learning conversations’ with ‘elders’ of the co-creation sector, funders, cross-sector partners and critics
Between 2018-2022 the project successfully:
● Built a network of over 293 members
● Was awarded 11 project commissions totalling £140,000 and five growth and replica commissions totalling £150,000.
● Delivered three in person national network gatherings
● Delivered two online national network gatherings
● Initiated and delivered five regional network meetings developing regional hubs and networks led by core network members
● Delivered five online learning sessions and conversations sharing resources and bringing network members together
● Produced a week long national/international live and digital festival marketplace event.
● Commissioned 10 blogs about co-creation
● Worked with an independent evaluator and published 8 reflective blogs and sixteen case studies
● Met regularly with key funders to share our learning and explore future partnerships.
● Co-authored a large case study commissioned by Arts Council England in partnership with Heart of Glass showcasing good examples of co-creation nationally. ‘Future of the Co Creating Change Network,’
As one of the CCCN core group members and an organisation with over 25 years experience in co-creation practice, KWMC are coordinating this phase.
You can watch in-person & virtual sessions from the Nov 2021 Co creating Change festival here. And read lots of case studies, reports and stories here.
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