We produce inclusive Festivals and projects focusing on music, science, and the spoken and written word so that everyone can experience the benefits of cultural engagement and explore or advance ...
Young Programmer (OnTheRiseCollective)
Practical details
Volunteering • Ongoing role
Contact person
Nicola Massey
Provided
Requirements
#129073
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/CheltenhamFestivals/opportunities/Young-Programmer-OnTheRiseCollective/129073 to join
Aged 18–30? Join On the Rise Collective to create events, shape Cheltenham Festivals, build skills and make creative connections. Apply now!
Join On the Rise Collective
Cheltenham Festivals | Opportunity for emerging creatives aged 18–30
What is it?
Cheltenham Festivals is looking for people aged 18–30 to join On the Rise Collective (OTRC), our community of emerging creatives and producers.
OTRC is a chance to get behind the scenes of a major cultural organisation, collaborate with other creatives and play an active role in shaping our Festivals.
Each year, OTRC creates and delivers a flagship event or activity as part of one of our four Festivals: Literature, Science, Jazz or Music. You'll be involved from the initial idea through to the live event, with support from the Cheltenham Festivals team.
You'll also have the opportunity to influence our programming and share your perspectives on the direction of Cheltenham Festivals as a charity.
You don't need previous experience in the creative industries. We're looking for people with fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, ideas and a desire to make things happen.
What could you create?
Each year, OTRC creates and delivers a flagship event or activity as part of one of our four Festivals.
What that looks like is up to you.
You could bring together artists, writers, musicians, scientists, performers or speakers. You could experiment with a new event format, explore an issue you're passionate about or create an experience that gets people thinking, talking, making or connecting.
What's the commitment?
OTRC is a three-year opportunity to develop your skills, build relationships and play an active role in shaping the future of Cheltenham Festivals.
You'll be expected to:
- Attend 6–8 meetings per year, usually online and lasting around 1.5 hours.
- Commit a limited amount of time between meetings to planning, developing and delivering projects, with the level of involvement varying depending on your project. Much of this will take place via WhatsApp and email.
- Attend relevant Festival events and activities where possible, particularly those connected to your project.
- Work collaboratively and contribute your ideas, perspectives and expertise throughout your three-year term.
We understand that everyone has different commitments and we'll work with you to make participation as accessible and manageable as possible.
This is a voluntary, unpaid opportunity. You'll receive a travel stipend to cover costs of travelling to and from any in-person meetings or agreed activities and accommodation will be provided for agreed in-person activities.
How to apply
We're keen to make the application process as accessible as possible. You don't need to submit a formal CV or have experience of writing applications.
To apply, tell us about yourself, covering the following:
- A little about yourself and what you're passionate about.
- Why you'd like to join On the Rise Collective.
- What does a good event look like?
- Any ideas you might have for an event, activity or project. You don't need to have a fully formed idea.
Your response can take any format you like: written, audio or video – however you feel comfortable and confident sharing your ideas.
We won't judge your application based on its length, but to allow us to consider all applications fairly, please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words or 4 minutes.
Application deadline: Friday 13th November 2026 at 2pm
Related to
About Cheltenham Festivals
We produce inclusive Festivals and projects focusing on music, science, and the spoken and written word so that everyone can experience the benefits of cultural engagement and explore or advance careers in science and the arts. Our vision is a world in which everyone can explore and create culture. Our mission is to collaborated to create experiences which bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and inspire change.
See more opportunities by Cheltenham FestivalsAre you going?
Applications closing in 18 days.