IHME Helsinki is seeking a producer for IHME Helsinki Commission 2023

We offer you an opportunity to be involved in the implementation of an artwork in public space designed for Helsinki by an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist. As part of our team, you will learn practical ways of assessing and reducing the project’s carbon footprint and of promoting ecologically sustainable practices in the production and execution of works of art. As producer you will be involved in promoting equality and creating a safe space for the artwork’s different audiences, with support from IHME’s staff.

From the diverse participants in the band you will learn about the connection between neoliberalism and environmental crises, and about experiential knowledge. You will be involved in giving audiences hope in the face of environmental crises by sharing ways of taking environmental action alone and together.

The producer will work in close collaboration with the artist Hiwa K, curator and Executive Director Paula Toppila, Communications Planner Saara Moisio, Eco-Coordinator Saara Korpela, and the two audience workers who will be hired for the project.

Working hours are: 1) before the project starts, 27.3–14.4.2023, at IHME’s office on Kalevankatu Street during office hours; and 2) during the project, around band rehearsals twice a week, at group rehearsals at Stoa on either Monday or Wednesday evenings (the group will decide which day later), and at public rehearsals on Saturdays 17.4–27.4.2023 in various public spaces that the group will decide on later in the project.

Your monthly salary will be 1700 euros (20 hours a week) and the duration of the contract is 27.3–2.6.2023 (10 weeks). You will take part in some meetings before March 27 as part of the induction to the job. You will be paid salary for these meeting.

The main duties of the producer are to produce two weekly meetings of the Chicago Boys band, which will consist of a diverse group of professional musicians, amateur musicians and non-musicians, and to facilitate the various needs of the project, which will be carried out according to the method laid down by the artist Hiwa K.

The producer will, for example:

• book public spaces/venues for public rehearsals by the band throughout the project
• manage rental of instruments, PA and other materials and services (such as transportation, meetings with experts etc.) for the band to rehearse and discuss twice weekly for six weeks
• organise catering and food services at band rehearsals (private and public)
• make reports on each meeting with the band, and facilitate weekly meetings with the IHME team outlined above to allow further feedback and planning

As IHME Helsinki Commission 2023 producer you will have experience of arranging cultural productions, especially of music and contemporary art. You are approachable and quick to absorb information, alert and friendly, and are comfortable around people and contemporary art. Successfully completing your tasks requires excellent interaction skills, and an aptitude for problem solving and tolerating stressful situations. You are efficient at finding out information and applying knowledge in practice. It is important that you think of yourself as suited to this work and that you are inspired by it.

You have experience of facilitating meetings, organising concerts, flexible language skills – good skills in English are mandatory, with knowledge of Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish or Northern Sami an advantage – while an interest in social issues, urban culture and contemporary art is an advantage.

We hope to receive applications from varied age groups and diverse genders, and from people belonging to language, cultural or other minorities. In your application you may mention belonging to any of these groups. All information will be processed confidentially. As an equal-opportunity employer we may apply positive action measures in the selection process.

Applications should include a CV that lists relevant studies, work experience and language skills. You should also explain your motivation for doing the job, your relationship with environmental issues and contemporary art, and indicate availability to work at the above-mentioned dates and times. You may also name two referees, along with their professional positions and phone numbers.

Your application is to be sent by February 15, 2023, to: paula.toppila(a)ihmehelsinki.fi. The subject line should name the vacancy being applied for: IHME 2023 Producer. Those invited to the interview stage will be notified personally. All applicants will be informed of our decision by e-mail by March 15, 2023.

Further information:

Executive Director Paula Toppila, paula.toppila@ihmehelsinki.fi, +358-45-1240096 (calling times February 10 at 10:00-11:00 and February 13 at 13:00-14:00)

Our work in 2023-25 is made possible by support from Saastamoinen Foundation, Kone Foundation and Abakanowicz Art and Culture Charitable Foundation.