Riverside Festival 2026 – Workshop Facilitator Callout

We are looking to appoint up to 3 creatives to run family art & craft workshops at this year’s Riverside Festival which takes place on Saturday 4th July 2026. 

The workshops will be based in a marquee in the Fort Gardens, Gravesend, alongside other family activities.

The workshops will run from 11am – 4pm as drop-in sessions rather than time specific workshops. They should therefore be designed with the following in mind:

·       Simple, fun and engaging for all ages and abilities

·       Quick turnaround, lasting around 5 -10 mins (15 mins max)

·       Using low-cost materials

We will provide you with tables and some chairs, although we foresee the majority of participants standing whilst carrying out the activity.

Theme

We are keen for the workshops to have a sense of whimsy, and therefore include any of the following themes of mythical, enchantment, fairytales, whimsical, nature, enchanted forest, eco, woodland, magical etc.

For example…

·       Wand Making

·       Crown Making

·       Willow Dragonflies

·       Fairy Doors

·       Dream Catcher

·       Paint a plant pot etc.

However, the most important part is that the activity is fun and engaging yet simplistic, so we have kept the theme broad and are open to interpretations.

The Role

As the facilitator, you will be responsible for:

·       Devising the workshop for 125 participants

·       Sourcing materials for 125 participants

·       Setting up and clearing away after the session

·       Running the workshop and helping participants where appropriate.

·       Providing your own help/assistance.

·       Providing the Arts and Culture team with a copy of your up-to-date liability insurance and an appropriate a risk assessment before the workshop.

·       We also require confirmation of whether you hold a current DBS or not.

The fee

The total fee is £350 which covers both the artist fee and all materials.

How to apply: Submit proposals to artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk detailing your proposed craft, materials list and budget, and attach any photos/images if possible. If we haven’t worked with you before, please also provide any details of your experience facilitating drop-in style workshops with large volumes of attendees.

Deadline for Submissions: Monday 25^th May 2026 11.59pm

Selection: A selection panel will review submissions anonymously and up to 3 proposals will be chosen.  You will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date with the panel’s decision.

Criteria:  Proposals will be marked on the following criteria in response to the brief:

·       Suitability for a variety of ages and abilities

·       Simplicity

·       Engagement level

·       Time

·       Suitability of suggested materials

·       Materials budget

·       Theme

·       Feasibility of overall workshop

·       Experience of delivering this type of activity