Person specification for an Independent Committee Member on the Devon Guild’s Selection-Election Committee

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an educational charity and membership organisation for professional craftspeople from the whole of the South West. We believe in the life-changing power of creating through making and have a commitment to increasing the understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of contemporary craft. Our vision of creating the craftspeople and collectors of the future is achieved through a busy programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks, seminars, visits and special events.

The Devon Guild has a Membership of 272 Members comprised of 245 Full Members and 27 Associate Members who work in different craft disciplines.
 

To become a Member at the Devon Guild the maker has to be accepted by the Selection-Election Committee and has to apply in two stages. At Stage 1 the maker submits images of his/ her work and, if successful, will be invited by the Selection-Election Committee to submit actual pieces of work for Stage 2. The Selection-Election Committee consists of 8 Members of the Guild from different craft disciplines (Furniture, Functional and Decorative Ceramics, Textiles, Glass, Photography, Printmaking and Jewellery). If an applicant submits a piece which is not covered by the craft disciplines represented by the Committee, an additional Member can be asked to attend and contribute their expert advice on a one-off basis.
 

The Devon Guild’s Selection-Election Committee is now looking to extend its number to a person who can contribute their impartial and expert knowledge to the Selection-Process, in accordance to the Guild’s membership criteria.
 

Person specification:  
• Professional knowledge of the contemporary craft sector or a specific craft discipline, i.e curator, artist, director, writer, lecturer, consultant or another craft related background
• Knowledge of objectively judging makers’ work
• Impartial and objective
• Clear and concise communicator
• Ability to make an informed and independent decision
• Experience of having worked on committees
• Knowledge of contemporary craft/ art discourse
• Knowledge of and open mindedness to new and innovative craft practices (i.e. digital craft techniques, mixed media techniques and work which does not confine to traditional perceptions such as installations,non-utilitarian craft and radical craft)
• Ability to situate craft in its socio, political and historical context
 

Further information
The independent selector is asked to commit to 18 months with three Selection-Election Meetings a year. The Selection meetings are on a Saturday. The dates for the Selection Meetings in 2011 are 5 March, 9 July and 5 November. The selector will start with the last selection-meeting of this year on Sat 6 November 2010. The dates for the year 2012 are to be announced.

The Selector will not receive payment but expenses will be covered.

Please click here for more information. 
 

Process
If you are interested in the position please send your CV and a short statement of max. 500 words by 30 August 2010 to Julia Harris, julia.harris@crafts.org.uk outlining why you are interested in the work and the skills and experience you would bring to the Committee. 
We expect to make a decision by 17 September 2010. 
Please do not hesitate to contact Julia Harris, Membership and Events Officer, if you have any further queries.