Artists Chris Poolman and Grace Emily Manning are looking for a hands-on individual to join them at their studio in Herefordshire, and assist in the creation of a large-scale, sculptural commission. 

The Golden Valley Sundial Project is a site-responsive, co-created project, developed with community groups across the Golden Valley, on the border of England and Wales. 

Following extensive engagement with people in the Golden Valley, Chris and Grace will build a sculptural, interactive artwork at their rural studio near Ledbury, to be toured in summer 2026, continuing Meadow Arts’ approach of bringing contemporary art into unexpected places.

The artwork is composed of modular sculptural elements and will be constructed from Herefordshire-sourced materials such as wool, cob and plant pigments. Appropriate training, supervision and PPE will be provided.

Currently we are offering 5 days work, but there is potential to extend. Please see below for full details.

Role outline:

• Minimum 5 days work (potential for more) through February 2026
• £120 per day, with mileage paid in addition
• Weekday working, either condensed or spread (to be discussed at interview)
• Working at rural artist studio on farmland in Herefordshire
• Interviews to be held Wednesday 21 January at the artists’ studio

Person spec:

• Herefordshire-based
• Suitable to student, early career artist or creative with transferable skills
• Access to own transport, able to travel to rural East Herefordshire location
• Flexible approach to working

Skills & experience needed:

• Competent with basic power tools e.g. saw and electric drill (required)
• Ability to work independently (required)
• Hands-on approach to work (required)
• Enthusiasm for recycled, found, and or natural materials (desirable)
• Interested in material processes (desirable)
• Formal or informal art, design or making experience (required)

Expected jobs:

• Cob building
• Basic wooden structure building
• Processing and producing art work from raw wool
• Contributing to creative and practical ideas for the Golden Valley Sundial Project

Next steps

If the Golden Valley Sundial inspires you, and you can see yourself in the role the please get in touch with suzie@meadowarts.org with up to 500 words on the following:

• A few lines on how you fit the person spec
• Examples of your skills and experience, with reference to the requirements
• What you would get from working as a support artist / studio assistant
• Your availability in February 2026

Please provide a link to at least one of the following: Instagram, website, blog, online portfolio or project. Alternatively you may offer up to 5 images and captions to accompany your application.

If you think you are the right fit but have queries, feel free to contact Suzie to arrange an informal phone call.

Deadline: Monday 5 January 2026, 6pm

Interviews will be held Wednesday 21 January 2026, near Ledbury

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About Our Place

Our Place in the Golden Valley is a 3-year project by Meadow Arts focussing on the unique geographical location of the Golden Valley in rural southwest Herefordshire. Using contemporary visual arts we are connecting with the communities that live there, reflecting upon and responding to their relationship to where they live.

The artistic programming is collaborative, responsive to community engagement, site-specific and so-created. Each year artists are commissioned to develop new artworks that will be exhibited and shared with the wider community in the Golden Valley and beyond.