We're looking for two new members to join our Watts Community Forum, read on to find out more about the forum, and how you can get involved.

What is the Watts Community Forum?

Underpinning our core belief in Art for All by All is our commitment to making art accessible to everyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life. To help us achieve this vision, in January 2022, a small group of people met for the first time to brainstorm ideas, share views and voice opinions with the ambition of helping Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village appeal to the widest possible audience. And so, the Watts Community Forum was born.

The Watts Community Forum meets four times a year for two-hour long sessions at Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village. We discuss a variety of topics including forthcoming exhibitions, ideas for new events, how to reach different audiences with marketing, how to create a warm welcome and ideas on improving the visitor experience. We are often joined by the team at Watts allowing forum members a unique insight into how we plan and operate the site whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and a laugh or two along the way.

Would you like to play an influential role in developing the work of one of Surrey’s leading arts and heritage organisations?

What it involves

This role invites you to share your opinions, experiences, and skills to influence future projects at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village by:

● Attending four two-hour meetings a year at the Artists’ Village in Surrey (some meetings may happen online);

● Joining us for selected events and exhibitions including Private Views for free;

● Championing Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village’s work.

In return for your time and advice, we are offering forum members a payment of £50 per session plus reasonable standard travel expenses and access costs (including childcare if applicable), complimentary annual membership for the duration of their time as part of the forum, invitations to exhibition Private Views, events and other activities.

Who we are looking for

• People who have an interest in how art and heritage can be made as accessible as possible and who are happy to share their ideas about how this could happen;
• People with an active interest in a wide range of cultural and leisure activities – for example visiting any tourist attractions like museums, galleries, theatres, concerts, the cinema or eating out, so that you have ideas and experiences you could share with the group. Prior experience of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village is not necessary;
• It is important to us that our forum reflects the diversity of our local community, and we would especially welcome expressions of interest from underrepresented voices including disabled, Black, Asian and ethnically diverse members of our community.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. Please send an expression of interest by completing this short application form and by sending us a short (2 - 3 min) video message or an audio file explaining:

• Why you would like to take part in the Watts Community Forum
• Tell us a little about a recent visit to an attraction that you have particularly enjoyed
• One aspect of that visit that could have been improved and how you would improve it

Please send applications to Kate.Branson@wattsgallery.org.uk by 28 November 2022.

We are committed to actively removing barriers to being on our Advisory Board. If you have specific access needs, or require support with travel or childcare costs, please do let us know.