Creative North Star

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in building their experience as a cultural researcher and their skills as a consultant while contributing to a significant piece of research and development work. The commissioned researcher will report to the DG Unlimited Creative Director who will oversee the project and provide mentorship and support throughout the commission.

The commission will require 7 days of work at a rate of £250 per day, plus travel costs for meetings in Dumfries and Galloway and with key partners across Scotland. The researcher will support the gathering of evidence, mapping of current activity, and support engagement with stakeholders, helping to shape a clearer picture of existing mentoring provision and future opportunities across the region.

This commission is particularly suitable for someone who wants to develop their skills in cultural research, consultation, and strategic thinking within the creative sector. It offers the chance to contribute to the creation of a framework of recommendations for creative mentoring in Dumfries and Galloway, with potential relevance for other rural and regional contexts beyond this region.

As part of the work, we will also consult with colleagues across Scotland who are already delivering creative mentoring, learning from their experience to gather examples of best practice and advice from across the sector. We are interested in hearing from individuals who are passionate about mentoring and making it as inclusive as possible. If you have knowledge or experience working with individuals with complex needs, physical disabilities, diverse identities and socioeconomic backgrounds, or with those who identify as being part of the Black and Global Majority in Scotland, let us know. Tell us why you are interested in helping us to build a plan for mentoring.

The results of this research project will inform DG Unlimited’s plans as it develops its own mentoring services for members and help ensure that future provision is ambitious, practical, and grounded in sector knowledge.

Creative North Star is a timely and focused piece of work, funded by Creative Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council and responds directly to DG Unlimited members’ feedback. The project is designed to identify what matters most to creative practitioners in Dumfries and Galloway when it comes to mentorship, its provision and quality; who needs mentorship; what form it could take; and who could be a mentor? These are questions the team aims to answer. By listening to our members, consulting the sector across Scotland, identifying what works, and exploring the art of the possible, this research study will provide a clear and confident direction for the future mentoring opportunities DG Unlimited plans to offer to its members in Dumfries and Galloway.

This commission is open to any creative individual aged 18 years or above. You do not need to be based in Dumfries and Galloway or the South of Scotland, but you must be able to easily travel to the region and have a demonstrable knowledge of Dumfries and Galloway and its creative sector. This is not a remote commission and will involve travelling in Dumfries and Galloway and in Scotland. This is a freelance commission and not an employed role.

Commission Fees: 7 days at a rate of £250 per day, plus travel expenses for meetings in Dumfries and Galloway and with key partners across Scotland. Additional days may be required and will be agreed in advance with the Creative Director.

To apply, please send your CV indicating any previous experience relevant to this commission, and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the commission and in working with us. Please also add a short creative bio about yourself. There are no formal qualification requirements for this role, however, we do ask that you demonstrate proven written and verbal communication skills.  We are interested in you! Tell us why you are passionate about this subject or interested in building your research skills within the creative and cultural sector.

Please note the following carefully before you apply:

• This commission is open to any creative individual over the age of 18 years.
• You do not need to be based in Dumfries and Galloway or the South of Scotland, but it is desirable.
• You must be able to easily travel around the region of Dumfries and Galloway.
• You should have demonstrable knowledge and experience of Dumfries and Galloway and its creative sector.
• This is not a remote commission and will involve travelling in Dumfries and Galloway.
• This is a freelance commission and not an employed role.
• CLOSING DATE 24^th July 2026

DG Unlimited commissions align with Creative Scotland’s Fair Work Fair Pay Policy and we are an equal opportunities commissioner. Please refer to our Policy Library. If you have access needs and wish to enquire about support avilable, or you require further information about this freelance commission, please contact Tabi Mudaliar, Creative Director, at comms.dgu@gmail.com