Post: Print Studio Manager/Technician

Part-time: 4 days per week (32 hours)

Location: Watchet, Somerset. ‍

Salary: £21,000 to £22,500 for 32 hours per week (Full Time Equivalent £28,000 - £30,000). Dependent on experience.

Deadline for applications: 30th January 2026 5pm

Interviews: Week Beginning 9th February 2026

Start date: Mid-March to Early April 2026

We are seeking a Print Studio Manager and Technician to run the print studio at East Quay. This is a new role, as we are taking over the management of the studio from spring 2026, which has operated until now as a separate business under a tenancy agreement.

Our vision at East Quay is to bring a range of high quality, interesting, inclusive creative opportunities to all age groups and members of the community, enabling greater access to quality arts opportunities. The Print Studio Manager will work alongside the team at East Quay, particularly the Learning and Cultural teams to develop existing opportunities and establish new ones. This role is for someone who is passionate about the arts and creativity, and who can contribute fully to ongoing audience development and community engagement of East Quay. The successful candidate will join a community of print makers currently using the studio with use of the facilities and opportunities to exhibit and sell their own work alongside the role.

The Print Studio is equipped to offer intaglio, relief and screen printmaking. It runs on a membership basis with open access sessions as well as a range of courses and workshops for all abilities. The Print Studio hosts regular exhibitions including the popular mini print show and members take part in Somerset Art Weeks each year. East Quay would like to expand the educational potential of the Print Studio, developing links and working more closely with local schools. Where possible the Print Studio is open to the public to engage with the artists, take part in activities and purchase artworks and other items.

East Quay opened in September 2021 and includes a contemporary art gallery, restaurant, 14 studios and workshops, holiday accommodation pods and an outdoor courtyard.

To note, this post is funded initially as part of our Arts Council National Portfolio funding and will most likely be contracted therefore by Contains Art CIO who are the Responsible Body for that funding.

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Purpose of the post‍

To ensure the smooth, safe and effective running of the Print Studio. We are looking for someone who will embrace the ethos of East Quay and help us to develop the Print Studio as an important part of our offer, supporting the existing users and helping us to grow the provision and use of the studio.

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Key responsibilities

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required; other responsibilities may be added depending on experience and need.

Manage the day to day operations of the Print Studio; enabling members to access the facilities and welcoming visitors to East Quay to the Studio.

Provide technical support; assisting artists, tutors and other users with the presses and other equipment including setting up, operating, cleaning and troubleshooting as well as inducting new members.

Manage the administration of the Print Studio; managing bookings and ticketing system, liaising with members and dealing with enquiries.

Deal with financial operations; taking payments, cashing up and liaising with the East Quay finance team.

Support with marketing and communications; writing the newsletter, social media scheduling, press releases, distribution, designing posters and populating the website.

Manage and deliver workshops including liaising with and supporting external tutors, advising attendees and ensuring the Studio is ready for delivery of workshops and courses.

Responsible for Studio operations including health and safety, stock management, ordering materials and ensuring equipment is available when required.

Facilitate exhibitions including administration, liaising with artists, hanging work and managing sales.

Print merchandise for sale in the print studio, East Quay shop and online shop.

Work closely with the Learning team and Cultural team and as part of the wider Onion Collective/Contains Art team to deliver high quality creative and cultural experiences and attending staff meetings as required.

Assist in the development and delivery of education projects in collaboration with freelance artists, schools, and museums.

Attend and deliver activities during school holidays and at special events.

Ensure highest standards of health and safety, complying with risk assessments, maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation and standards including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, First Aid, COSHH, safe working practices and fire safety.

Other duties as may be required by the General Manager and other Onion Collective Directors/Contains Art CIO.

Comply with Onion Collective/Contains Art policies and procedures and supporting the team to do the same.

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Person specification

Essential:

Skills in a variety of printmaking techniques - must include silk screen.

Experience in providing technical support to beginners and more experienced users.

Creative and passionate about printmaking and the arts.

Ability to work on your own initiative.

Strong organisational abilities with attention to detail.

Good problem-solving abilities.

Happy to work with a wide range of ages and abilities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent IT skills.

Reliable, patient and flexible, keen to learn and develop.

Aptitude for collaborative working, open dialogue and non-hierarchical approaches to development and delivery.

Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work to deadlines.

Enthusiastic, motivated and keen to fit in with the ethos of East Quay.

Available to work in the School Holidays to deliver our school holiday offer at East Quay.

Awareness of contemporary printmaking practice and professional exhibiting standards.

Desirable:

Previous experience of running, working in or membership of an open access print studio or similar.

Experience of teaching/tutoring printmaking.

Familiar with maintaining printmaking and related equipment.

Practicing artist/printmaker.

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Caring responsibilities or other personal circumstances

We have a dynamic and flexible internal culture that gives employees control over the way they

work and supports wellbeing. We will be as flexible as we possibly can be in terms of supporting staff to balance their work and their personal lives. We are keen to have a conversation to find practical solutions to meet candidates’ own situations whilst meeting the needs of the organisation.

This role will require staff members to work during school holidays and may require some weekends and evenings. The position is advertised as a 4-days-a-week role but please do talk to us if caring responsibilities or other circumstances mean you would like to discuss possibilities in these respects.