Community Outreach Coordinator – esea contemporary

Community Outreach Coordinator – esea contemporary

esea contemporary is a contemporary art space based in Manchester, UK, dedicated to presenting and supporting experimental and international contemporary art practices. Formerly known as the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), the organization has evolved into esea contemporary, reflecting a broader commitment to East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) perspectives while creating space for diverse artistic voices and cultural exchange.

Located in Manchester city centre, esea contemporary operates as a gallery, cultural platform, and community-focused organization that supports exhibitions, artist development, public programmes, and creative engagement. Through exhibitions, commissions, residencies, talks, workshops, and community projects, the organization works to connect artists and audiences while encouraging dialogue around contemporary social, cultural, and political themes.

The organization places strong emphasis on accessibility, participation, and creating meaningful relationships between contemporary art and communities. Its programmes aim to reach audiences beyond traditional gallery spaces by collaborating with local organizations, community groups, and alternative venues.

For this opportunity, esea contemporary is expanding its community engagement activities across Salford, Trafford, and Stockport. The organization is seeking a Community Outreach Coordinator who can help develop relationships with local communities, identify new partners, and create opportunities for participation in contemporary art and creative activities.

Esea Contemporary is seeking a Community Outreach Coordinator to support the development and delivery of a new community-focused programme across Salford, Trafford, and Stockport in Greater Manchester.

The role focuses on increasing access to contemporary art by bringing creative activities closer to communities that may face barriers to attending cultural events in Manchester city centre. Instead of relying solely on traditional gallery-based engagement, the programme aims to work directly within local communities through partnerships with libraries, leisure centres, community spaces, and local organisations.

The successful candidate will research and identify potential community partners, establish meaningful relationships, understand local needs, and help shape a programme responding to the interests and contexts of different communities.

The position combines strategic outreach, relationship-building, event coordination, programme development, and practical delivery. The coordinator will work independently in the field while collaborating with esea contemporary’s internal team, artists, and creative practitioners.

This opportunity is suited to someone passionate about community engagement, contemporary art , cultural participation, and collaborative approaches to creative programming.

• Position: Community Outreach Coordinator
• Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2028, with possibility of extension
• Working Hours: Approximately 2–3 days per week, depending on availability
• Reporting To: Director
• Start Date: September 2026 or as soon as possible
• Location: Field-based across Salford, Trafford, and Stockport, with regular check-ins at esea contemporary, Manchester
• Final date to receive applications: 12 August 2026, 12 pm
• Interview Dates: 18–19 August 2026

The role is designed to accommodate applicants who may already have freelance practices or other professional commitments. Esea Contemporary is open to discussing flexible working arrangements with the successful candidate.

• Developing and delivering a new community outreach programme across Salford, Trafford, and Stockport.
• Researching local communities, organizations, venues, and potential partners.
• Building sustainable relationships with community groups and stakeholders.
• Understanding local interests, needs, and barriers to cultural participation.
• Supporting the creation of accessible contemporary art activities outside traditional gallery settings.
• Working with artists and…