The current global pandemic presents uncertainty for everyone looking for work, whether you’re about to graduate, or you’re looking for ways to develop your skills and experience over the summer.

However, the disruption to ‘business as usual’ could present unforeseen opportunities and a chance to connect, reflect and prepare. Here are some ideas.

• Look at what others are doing creatively and explore the opportunities available, for example via the Artquest and The Artists Information Company sites. Sign up for artist newsletters with organisations such as Parker Harris . A few artist opportunities are listed below.
• New openings might actually be more readily available at this time as employers and individuals may be more open to conversations and offers of help. Moreover, with so many people working remotely, collaboration may be possible with artist organisations and individuals further afield and overseas.
• If it’s proving difficult to find suitable vacancies, now could be a good time to reflect on what you would like to do, improve your employability skills and be better prepared to apply when the vacancies and opportunities start to come up.

A snapshot of opportunities…

Remote Volunteering Experience
If you have spare time on your hands and you would like to get some work experience through the University of Brighton’s Active Student volunteering Service, take a look here for information about how to get involved. A wide range of opportunities are available in art, design and humanities.

Earth Photo competition and exhibition
The Earth Photo 2020 call for entries invites photographers to submit work inspired by People, Place, Nature, Changing Forests and Climate of Change. The competition is open to all international photographers, amateur or professional.
Cash prizes available for winning entries to all categories, plus a prize for a short film.
Full details available on the Earth Photo website
Closing date: 2 June 2020

Artists’ Collecting Society (ACS) Studio Prize
ACS is offering an artist the chance to win £4,500 to contribute to the cost of an artist’s studio in the UK!
Applications are open to EU or EEA nationals who are final year students, or have graduated in the last 4 years. Applicants must work with pictures, collage, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, glassware or photography.
Further details are available on the Artists’ Collecting Society website
Closing date: 30 June 2020

Confined Spaces
A project looking at what artists are planning, making or developing while in confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are invited for work in all types of media. The project is interested in process and the challenges faced by artists in the current situation, so images of finished work are not essential.
For information and to register your interest visit the Confined Spaces website
Closing Date: unspecified