Call for applications: Institute for Creative Arts researcher in SA

The candidate must be a highly motivated individual with at least a master’s degree and relevant research experience to serve as the ICA’s researcher. Applications close on 22 August at 5pm (SAST).

Start date

The position is a full-time and will be carried out in person on University of Cape Town’s Hiddingh Campus from 1 January.

Note: In preparation for the full-time role, the selected candidate is required to work part time (two days’ a week) on UCT’s Hiddingh Campus for a handover period running from 17 October to 15 December.

Requirements

• A postgraduate degree (at least master's) relevant to the ICA’s interdisciplinary focus.
• At least three years’ experience working in a relevant professional environment.
• Experience conducting research and writing content for a variety of audiences.
• A record of published writing – in accredited journals and/or websites.
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency using Apple iMac, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, website and social media platforms administration.

Duties

A non-exhaustive list of tasks and responsibilities includes:

Research and archival responsibilities:

• Assist the ICA director in steering and coordinating the ICA’s research output, peer-reviewed and online publications, working with current manuscripts through to publication.
• Edit academic articles, chapters, and concept documents with a focus on analytical input (content and argument) as well as copy editing and proofreading.
• Research theorists and artists in the fields of live art and public art, decoloniality, feminist studies, curatorial strategies etc, to inform and contribute to the development of ICA symposiums and lecture series.
• Work with the ICA project manager and technical manager to maintain, organise and update the ICA’s archive – consisting of a wide range of visual, audio and written work – and respond to requests for archival footage/material.

Public lecture series:

• Together with the ICA director and other academics at UCT, co-curate lecture series such as the ICA’s Great Texts/Big Questions lecture series – including identifying and writing copy around theme, recommending speakers, contacting and liaising with speakers, and assisting in publicising the series.
• Provide written, editorial and/or conceptual input where needed for other events, festivals, symposiums and exhibitions.
• Work with the ICA Director, Project Manager and Administrator to manage application processes (for fellowships, scholarships, residencies, etc), including drafting calls, and shortlisting candidates.

Publicity:

• Draft and/or edit copy for all ICA public-facing materials and communication – including newsletters, programmes for events, web posts, concept documents, contracts, job adverts, calls for fellowships and scholarships – in a manner consistent with the ICA’s style and tone.
• Advise and assist the ICA project manager and public relations personnel in managing publicity and social media platforms, including Mail Chimp, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
• Undergo website training and work closely with the ICA project manager and technical manager to manage and update the ICA website.
• Learn Canva and other design platforms/tools to assist the ICA project manager in designing newsletters, programmes etc that are consistent with the ICA’s style and tone.

The ICA Podcast (to be discussed with the candidate):

• Undergo audio training (equipment and software) for the purposes of creating, budgeting and publicising the ICA podcast: Season 4 (and future seasons).
• Learn and manage ICA podcast-related platforms and tools: podcast hosting platform, transcription software, remote recording platforms, etc.
• Identify artists to interview for Season 4 and conduct interviews.
• Edit interviews in consultation with the ICA Director.
• Release episodes and steer publicity, including drafting copy and securing photos for each episode, with assistance from the ICA Project Manager.

Period of employment

Two-month part-time contract starting 17 October 2022. Thereafter 12-month full-time contract, starting 1 January 2023, renewable.

Working conditions

The researcher will be based on UCT’s Hiddingh campus in Cape Town, but events and performances will sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces and sites.

The researcher will sometimes be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines – particularly in the lead up to, and during, events such as the 2023 Live Art Network Africa (LANA) symposium, and the 2023 Infecting the City festival.

Application process:

All candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply, and in particular black South African women. Regrettably, international applicants will not be considered. Interested persons should apply here before 22 August with the following

• Name and contact details.
• Cover letter (one page maximum).
• Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Two recent reference letters from employers, including their contact details.
• Record of published writing.

Note: ICA will not accept applications by email. Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

All queries should be emailed at ica@uct.ac.za with the subject line Researcher query.

View the original call here.