Host Name:
Contemporary Visual Arts Network (www.cvan.art)
Placement Supervisor:
Paula Orrell, National Director, paula@cvan.art.
Location:
The placement will follow a hybrid format, with most work conducted remotely. Occasional in-person meetings may take place in London, Bristol, or Southampton, depending on the student’s location and availability. Online support and regular check-ins will be provided.
Placement Period:
The start date is flexible, with placements ideally beginning in early 2026, but open to negotiation based on the student’s availability.
The placement can be undertaken part-time to suit the candidate’s availability and doctoral commitments, not exceeding 37 hours per week (pro rata).
How to Apply:
Send a CV, and covering email to Paula Orrell, National Director copied to scdtp@soton.ac.uk, a short statement (max 500 words) outlining your interest in the placement and highlighting relevant expertise and experience.
Deadline to Apply:
Rolling – early expressions of interest encouraged
Number of placements available:
1
Placement Details:
Summary Brief
CVAN is offering a 3-month placement opportunity for one SCDTP doctoral student to lead a research-focused project supporting the development of a National Visual Arts Data Observatory. The student will explore existing datasets across the visual arts sector (public, private, and commercial), identify missing data, and contribute to the design of a strategic, shared framework for long-term evidence gathering.
This placement is ideal for someone with an interest in cultural policy, advocacy, and interdisciplinary research. The student’s work will directly shape CVAN’s policy engagement with government and funders, enabling stronger, data-informed arguments for investment in the visual arts.
The successful applicant will gain invaluable insight into how data drives public policy and sector advocacy, and will work alongside CVAN’s National Director, regional visual arts networks, and stakeholders across the UK.
Skills & attributes summary – Essential Skills:
- Research and evaluation design (developing frameworks, indicators, surveys)
- Quantitative analysis (working with datasets, metrics, Excel/SPSS/NVivo)
- Strategic and critical thinking (gap analysis, insight synthesis)
- Excellent written and verbal communication (report writing, policy briefs)
Skills & attributes summary – Desirable Skills:
- Stakeholder mapping and engagement
- Understanding of UK cultural policy and arts infrastructure
- Experience translating complex research for non-academic audiences
- Confidence working across disciplines (arts, data, public policy)
Resource contributions
- Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for in-person meetings will be covered.
- The student will also have access to mentoring, sector networks, and support from CVAN’s national team and academic partners at the University of Southampton.
