Edinburgh Public Art Panel is recruiting a freelance artist

Criteria for the role and how to apply

We are seeking a freelance practising artist to serve as a member of the Public Art Panel.

The Edinburgh Public Art Panel advises on public art in the following areas:

  • commissioning

  • acquisition

  • placement

  • maintenance 

This ensures alignment with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Public Art Policy (PDF).

Requirements of the role

The artist will be involved in the review of proposals and plans submitted for public art projects in Edinburgh and will be required to participate in panel discussions to evaluate submissions; offering insight into the quality, innovation, and feasibility of proposals from their own perspective as a practising artist. There will also be involvement in broader policy discussion as part of the panel.

Find out about the roles and responsibilities of the Public Art Panel.

Essential criteria

  1. Practising visual artist based in Scotland, with at least 10 years’ professional experience in applying for, and delivering art commissions.

  2. Familiarity with diverse artistic disciplines and cultural perspectives.

  3. Commitment to equality, inclusion, and accessibility in public art.

  4. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

  5. Demonstrable knowledge of the city of Edinburgh and its cultural infrastructure.

Desirable criteria

Experience of

  • working in Scotland, the UK and internationally
  • delivering public art commissions.

Priorities

We will prioritise applications that meet the criteria and that particularly demonstrate a track record and familiarity with diverse artistic disciplines and cultural perspectives.

Time commitment

  1. Panel meetings will normally occur quarterly and may be held in person or virtually.

  2. Each meeting will require up to 4 hours of review and discussion time, as well as prior reading of applications and review of meeting reports.

  3. The artist will be appointed for a 2 year period, which will include up to 8 panel meetings.

Fees and payment

This is a self-employed contract and it is anticipated that the artist will work up to 60 hours per year. Hours of work will be agreed in advance, and payment made at current Scottish Artist Union hourly rates.

How to apply

Submit the following materials by 11.59pm on 15 June 2025.

  1. Summary resume or CV (2 pages max).

  2. Letter of interest outlining your experience and why you wish to serve on the panel (1 A4 page max).

  3. Up to 3 online links showcasing recent artistic work.

Send your application to culturaldevelopment@edinburgh.gov.uk and our staff will review against the criteria and priorities. 

Successful applicants will be notified of their interview by 5pm on 23 June 2025. We will hold online interviews later in the week beginning 23 June 2025. Unfortunately, we will not have capacity to provide feedback on applications.

For questions email Lisa Kapur at lisa.kapur@edinburgh.gov.uk.