Independent Researcher for Study into Digital and Cultural Access for Children and Young People in the Northwest.

Kids’ Own is seeking an independent researcher to assist us in exploring how our child-led, child-centred model of engagement with professional artists can be brought to children and young people, particularly those who have limited access to technology and who are from communities already experiencing social exclusion and disadvantage.

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on all areas of children and young people’s engagement with the arts. As virtual arts engagement will be a core part of children’s arts experiences in the short to medium term, Kids’ Own is committed to finding a way for all children to have access to meaningful arts experiences.

We are delighted to receive funding from RTÉ Comic Relief to support a scoping study undertaken by an independent researcher. The researcher will lead this study by communicating with a select number of organisations in the north-west who work with different communities of children and young people (identified in collaboration with Kids’ Own) and detailing findings and recommendations in a report. This initial and limited scoping study has three main points of focus:

• Who might benefit most from online creative programmes that allow for open-ended, meaningful engagement with the arts?
• What are the needs of the children and young people that have been identified by the study, in terms of digital and cultural access?
• How can Kids’ Own develop a pilot online arts programme in response to the results of the scoping study?

We welcome applications from experienced researchers who have relevant expertise and a good knowledge of the community, children and youth, and arts sectors.

Timeframe: The scoping study will take place during late March and April 2021, and the report will be submitted in early May.

Fee: There is a fixed fee of €2500 for this work.

How to apply:

Please send a CV and a cover letter, outlining relevant experience, your research approach and your interest in this project. Applications can be sent by email to Ciara Gallagher, Project Manager: [email protected]

Deadline: Friday 5th March 2021

About Kids’ Own

Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership is a children and young people’s arts organisation and publishing house, based in Sligo. Through a range of local, national and international projects, we connect children and families in their communities with artists through enlightening, collaborative experiences and publish and promote the artwork and writing that emerge. We strive to amplify, make visible and give credence to the voices and creative expressions of children and young people and value their active participation in society.