About the Mentorship

Scottish Ballet is seeking a global majority person to participate in a rarely available Paid Mentorship in Dance Photography.

We are specifically seeking someone from a global majority background as we recognise the barriers faced by people with lived experience of racism to access the photography industry. This is especially prevalent in the live performance photography community, where work is often acquired simply through knowing the ‘right person’ or having a foot in the door.

Scottish Ballet also recognises the influence we have as a national performing company, and we are creating this opportunity in the hope of facilitating better representation in the industry.

What we’re looking for

Are you an emerging photographer interested in a specialist career in dance and looking for a way to hone your skills? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to participate in our pilot Mentorship in Dance Photography programme working in an ambitious, creative and friendly environment.

Scottish Ballet welcomes applications from all communities and backgrounds, building a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We provide specialist support for those who have experienced discrimination or face barriers to inclusion.

What you need to know

The mentorship programme will provide:

• Paid pathways into a career in dance photography.
• Structured mentorship and opportunities for the photographer to shape the programme depending on their skills.
• Unprecedented access to Scottish Ballet, granting the mentee physical studio access as well as introductions to the company’s network of photographers.
• Specialist support will also be provided by EDJI Arts.

The photographer will be paid £226.40 per day on a freelance basis for a minimum of 15 days over the course of the mentorship. They will be provided paid 1:1 time with Scottish Ballet’s top dance photographers including Rimbaud Patron, Mihaela Bodlovic, Andy Ross, and Gavin Smart, and key Scottish Ballet staff including Eve McConnachie (Brand Creative Lead) and Tony Currie (Senior Producer).

Photography specialities explored during the mentorship will include stage production, backstage, behind-the-scenes, studio, community projects, events, headshots, and promotional materials. The photographer will also be provided sessions with members of Scottish Ballet’s Brand, Audience & Digital team to explore relevant topics including responding to a brief, working with arts companies, approval processes, portfolio development, and how to develop an ‘eye’ for dance.

We want to hear from you if you:

• Are from a global majority background and in the first three years of your professional photography career
• Know your way around a DSLR camera
• Have a strong creative sensibility and artistic flair
• And have a positive, proactive, flexible approach.

Who we are

Scotland’s national dance company. We’re based in Glasgow and perform on stage and screen, nationally and internationally, promoting Scotland’s pioneering spirit far and wide. As well as bold new versions of the classics and ground-breaking commissions, Scottish Ballet runs an extensive community engagement programme fostering wellbeing and encouraging creativity through dance.

Find out more about us @ https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/about-us

About the role

A job description outlining key responsibilities is also available.

How to apply

Tell us why you want to take part and why you think you’d be brilliant at it.

Applications will be accepted in the form of CV, cover letter and creative portfolio (digital or printed), plus the details of two professional referees (who will only be contacted if you are offered the position). Cover letters are welcome in written form, audio, or video recording.

Candidates will be shortlisted for interview, followed by paid in-personal trial days for up to three candidates.

Send these to recruitment@scottishballet.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 7 March 2025, and interviews will take place the week of 17 March 2025.

Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Katie Boyle, People & Wellbeing Officer at the above the email address.