17.12.20

Student Placements FAQ

Compass Festival is coming back to Leeds 19 – 28 March 2021, animating the city with interactive live art projects, under bridges, markets, shopping centres and secret locations.

We are looking for enthusiastic student creatives to carry out applied work based learning placements with us. These placements will start prior to the festival and will allow successful applicants to truly understand what goes into creating live art and delivering a festival. 

What is Compass Festival? 

Compass Festival happens in Leeds every two years and is a celebration of socially engaged live art in the public realm. Projects take place in non traditional arts settings, like pubs, libraries and neighbourhoods and involve direct interaction with the public. We commission internationally renowned artists and bring unique works to the city that would not otherwise be seen. 

What will I actually do as part of my placement? 

Each placement is individually tailored to each student, what you study and how much time you have, so your time with us will vary from placement to placement. There are four different types of placements available: 

Art in the Public Realm Placement

During your time with us, you’ll work with our Assistant Producer to pair you with a festival specific project based on your interests. Your time with us may be taking part in the planning of festival events, or helping out over a weekend during the festival. 

Performer Placement 

This placement involves essentially what it says on the tin! You will attend a rehearsal with our artist to learn simple choreography and how to operate this installation. You'll be key in keeping our audiences entertained. 

Marketing Placement 

Working closely with our Marketing and Communications Manager you will be support the generation of our Instagram and Twitter content during the festival. This is an opportunity to gain an insight into how to create memorable content for our audiences, and drive them to the festival. 

Technical Management Placement 

You will shadow our Technical Manager, who oversees the building, installation of events and this year, supporting the sound production elements of the festival.    

Can I apply for the scheme? 

Anyone based in West Yorkshire who is currently studying in Higher (university) or Further Education (college) can apply for the Placement Scheme. These placements are for students who can either count placement time as part of a placement module during their course or who can then write about their work with us as part of coursework, portfolios or exams as part of their study. 

If you're not studying a related course, but still want to be involved, get in touch with us: [email protected]

What’s in it for me? 

Doing the Compass Placement Scheme is a unique opportunity to work closely alongside producers, artists and technical staff as part of a small team. A Compass Festival student placement can help support your studies with real world experience of what goes into making an arts festival happen.

This is a voluntary role, however reasonable travel and sustenance expensive are covered. We want to ensure you get the best experience to gain confidence working in the creative sector.  We appreciate that people have different commitements and can work around your schedule and you will be supported by our Assistant Producer at all times to make sure all your interest and needs are covered.