The Pathfinders Commission

Ministry of Stories is looking for a designer/maker to collaborate on an exciting new project that engages local children with creative writing. 

Inspired by The Borrowers we are looking for designer/makers to create an inspiring set where tiny characters could live, work and play. Our aim is to transport this to local schools where children will be able to write about the characters who could populate this magical mini setting.

Designer/makers could make use of an existing vessel such as a suitcase or vanity case that opens into a tiny world, or they can create a freestanding portable setting of their choice. We are open to suggestions and expressions of interests that find creative ways to fit this brief. 

Materials should be child safe and durable, and the end product must be portable so it can be easily transported into schools. 

We’re looking for designer/makers with experience in theatre, film or TV design or prop making, or other relevant model making experience. You will work with our writer/facilitator to agree your designs before making the finished product. 

Ministry of Stories champions the writer in every child. Co-founded by author Nick Hornby in 2010, we help young people discover their confidence, imagination and potential through the power of their writing. We develop self-respect and communication skills through innovative writing programmes and small group mentoring for children living in under-resourced communities, working in schools, and at our dedicated writing centre in east London. We empower young people to write brighter futures for themselves through the power of their ideas, creativity and imagination. 

You will need:

• Experience in theatre, film or TV set design or prop making, or other model making experience
• To be able to produce a high quality, robust and durable object to be used in schools workshops
• Willingness to work to the brief set by our writer/facilitator
• To be available to finish the project by 10th December 2021

Please send us:

• Examples from two projects that showcase skills relevant to the above brief, including project budget
• 1-2 paragraphs (or short video clip) introducing yourself, explaining what attracts you to the project, what you think you would bring, and any initial thoughts about how you would approach it
• Current CV / link to your website or portfolio

Details

£500 fixed fee, inclusive of VAT.

Up to £500 budget for materials, which must include postage costs of the finished item if you are based outside London. 

Our programmes and shop proudly serve a wonderfully diverse east London community. We particularly welcome candidates who define themselves as:

• Black, Black British Caribbean and Black British African
• Asian and Asian British
• Turkish
• Mixed Ethnicity
• From our local area (Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington)
• Working class
• Disabled

Timeline

Deadline for expressions of interest: 8th November 2021. 

Successful artist contacted by: 12th November 2021. 

Make completed/delivered by: Friday 10th December 2021.

Please send expressions of interest to jobs@ministryofstories.org, with the subject line ‘Pathfinders Designer/Maker’.