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Certain Blacks

Ensemble Festival 2025 – Festival Support Call-Out

By CB News

Ensemble Festival 2025

Festival Support Call-Out

Ensemble Festival 25

Festival Support Call-Out

Are you interested in learning about how arts festivals are run, and do you want to be part of a team that makes one happen on the day?

We are offering a free one-day training session on festival stewarding and support, followed by a paid role working on this year’s Ensemble Festival. You will learn about the key roles that make a festival work, talk through the Ensemble Festival programme, and learn new skills that we will use when working together on the day to support artists, deal with the public and collect audience data for future events.

The training will take place on Wednesday 23rd July between 11:00 – 16:30 at 1 Expressway London (1 Dock Rd, London E16 1AH) with a free lunch provided. The festival dates are 26th and 27th of July.

You will need to be available for the training and at least one of the event days. Shifts are maximum 5.5 hours long, and you will be paid £13.85 per hour.

IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES: There are various shifts available over the build and festival event days. You need to be available for the training day and two shifts. Please note that shifts can

  • Wednesday 23rd July: training day – 10:30 – 16:30
  • Saturday 26th July: Ensemble Festival – 9:00 – 14:30 and 14:30 – 20:00
  • Sunday 27th July: Ensemble Festival – 10:00 – 15:30 and 15:30 – 21:00

To apply, please confirm your availability for the training through this form; let us know which shifts you may be able to do, attach your CV and write a paragraph about yourself and why you are interested in this opportunity.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Apply by July 17th 2025. 

Certain Blacks team

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Join Certain Blacks’ Creative Youth Panel

By CB News, News

 

Call Out: Join Certain Blacks’ Creative Youth Panel

Calling all creative young people aged 18–25 

Are you curious about the arts? Do you think creatively and want to make a difference?

We are inviting young people to join a youth panel as part of Certain Black’s engagement programme Engineers of the Imagination.  The youth panel will collaborate with the team to shape the presence of outdoor arts and participation in local neighbourhoods.

The Youth Panel and Why it Matters

The Youth Panel is a group of creative and like-minded young people interested in arts, and their surrounding communities. The Youth Panel is at the heart of our engagement programme.

Together, we’ll explore questions like:

  • How can outdoor arts better serve our communities?
  • What would truly inclusive, accessible programming look like?
  • Who else needs to be part of this conversation?

No experience needed, just bring your voice, perspective and a collaborative spirit! We particularly encourage applications from young people from Beckton, Newhan and Custom House but are open to young people applying from other areas. 

Who We Are

Certain Blacks is an arts development organisation rooted in East London. We are dedicated to supporting artists from all dimensions of diversity, including different socioeconomic, ethnic, gender and neurodiverse identities. We firmly believe in nurturing long-term relationships with artists, arts organisations, venues, festivals, and promoters, as they are integral to our mission. With a focus on live art, dance, music, theatre, and digital platforms, our goal is to secure lasting investments in diverse works, enabling them to tour and perform not only in the UK but also internationally.

At Certain Blacks, talent development plays a crucial role in our work. We provide emerging artists with professional space and support to showcase their work on a national scale. We understand that individuals from minority communities often face barriers in their creative journeys, experiencing exclusion and limited opportunities. As an organisation that represents excellence, we offer a platform for both new and established artists to expand their professional horizons by working in diverse environments and connecting with broader audiences.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Certain Blacks. As we commemorate a decade of supporting diverse artists and offering a national platform for underrepresented voices, our mission for 2025 is to cultivate lasting relationships with individuals, local communities, organisations, and initiatives where we are based, ensuring that outdoor arts thrive and resonate with all.

About Engineers of the Imagination 

Engineers of the Imagination is Certain Blacks’ Audience Engagement Programme. It aims to transform the landscape of outdoor arts engagement in Custom House, Beckton, and Newham by empowering a group of young people -the Youth Panel- to become community leaders and ambassadors of our Ensemble Festival. Through innovative programming inspired by radical performance practices, we seek to create inclusive, accessible experiences that celebrate diverse voices and foster community connections. To see some of the work from our previous festivals check out our 2024 programme. 

This is an opportunity for learning, exchange, collaboration and co-creation. Participants will receive mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and direct access to artists and producers in the outdoor arts sector. 

You will be invited to contribute ideas, co-design a manifesto for future audiences, and play an active role in shaping outdoor arts in your community.

By joining the Youth Panel you’ll gain:

  • Insight into the inner workings of outdoor art and how festivals are produced
  • Opportunities for paid festival assistant work. 
  • Mentorship from creative professionals
  • Skills in planning, collaboration and audience engagement
  • A platform to share your ideas and celebrate your community
  • An opportunity to experience a wide range of outdoor arts performances 
  • To help reduce barriers to participation, we’re able to offer £80 to each participant.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals who are:

  • Aged 18–25
  • Interested in arts, culture, or creative practices
  • Passionate about community, equity, and collaboration

Timeline & Commitment

Deadline to Apply: Monday 7th july 

Programme Start: Week of 7th of July 2025

Programme End: November 2025

  1. Creative Workshops
  • 4 in-person sessions:
  • 4 workshops between July and September  2025
  1. Touch Points & Online Forums / Insight Sessions
  • Online check-ins
  • Online insight sessions with industry professionals
  1. Ensemble Festival Participation
  • Attend the Ensemble Festival on 26–27 July 2025
  1. “Go and See” Opportunities
  • August
  • Go, Grandad, Go by Company DHW (GDIF)
  • Eshu at the Crossroads by Theatre Rites and Miguel Altunaga (GDIF)
  • September:
  • Closer to My Dreams by Chad Taylor (Redbridge Outdoor Arts)
  • RO-TES by Stopgap Dance Theatre (GDIF)
  • October:
  • Patois by Jeanefer Jean-Charles (Redbridge Outdoor Arts)
  1. Ensemble Festival 2026 Programme Selection 
  • Meet with Certain Blacks’ Artistic Director to share feedback on proposed commissions and performances for Ensemble Festival 2026. This will be an opportunity to consult on the 2026 programme selection process

Ongoing activities will include:

  • Creative workshops and check-ins 
  • Visits to cultural and artistic venues
  • Input into the Ensemble Festival 2026 programme
  • Online forums and insight sessions with industry professionals 
  • Co-creation of a Youth Panel Manifesto

Additional Information

  • There is no cost to take part
  • All sessions will be a mix of online (Thursday evenings) and in-person meetings (Fridays/Saturdays, depending on group availability). Online sessions will be held in accessible spaces or online via Teams or Zoom. 
  • Festival Assistant opportunities will be available during the Ensemble Festival (paid at London Living Wage: £13.80/hour)
  • To help reduce barriers to participation, we’re able to offer £80 to each participant.

Ready to Join Us?

We would love to hear from you, so fill out the forms and tell us a bit about yourself and why this opportunity excites you!

Please complete both the Youth Panel Application Form and our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form using the links below. Both forms are required to be considered for the programme.

  1. Application form 
  2. Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form 

Enquiries 

For any questions please contact Amelia Coles, Audience Builder at: engagement@certainblacks.com

We look forward to hearing  from you!

Certain Blacks are committed to being a truly inclusive organisation – from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all applications equally, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented in the cultural sector including working-class people, disabled people, and people from Global Majority backgrounds.

Ensemble Festival 2025 Full Listings

By Ensemble Festival 2025

Certain Blacks presents: Ensemble Festival 2025

26 and 27 July 2025

 

 

Free and suitable for all age groups

This July, Certain Blacks presents Ensemble Festival 2025 in London’s historic Royal Victoria Docks. Now in its sixth edition, this outdoor celebration of circus, dance, physical theatre and street art returns on two full days, including all-new work from groundbreaking UK artists. It’s free, suitable for all ages, and strives to be accessible for all. 

Ensemble Festival 2025

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place at the Royal Docks in East London:

DLR Royal Victoria – The site is a 10-minute walk from Royal Victoria DLR station. This is an accessible station. 

Elizabeth Line Custom House 

Buses 325, 474, 241 and 129 (from Lewisham and Greenwich through the new Silvertown Tunnel) 

IFS Cable Car from the O2 Centre

ACCESS FOR ALL

We aim to offer an unforgettable and accessible festival for everyone, and inclusion is at the heart of Certain Blacks. 

The Royal Docks have step-free access, accessible toilets, and a festival Access Team ready to help you navigate the site and find out what access options are available for each performance. Head to our website for detailed information on access provisions. If you would like to discuss your access needs, please get in touch through our website or visit the Information Tent during festival hours. 

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Certain Blacks recognises its responsibility to protect the environment. We’re working hard to make Ensemble Festival more sustainable and less wasteful—and we’d love your help: 

  • Choose low-carbon travel when you can.
  • Bring your water bottle and reusable cutlery.
  • Dispose of waste responsibly and look out for recycling stations.

We approach our access and environmental efforts with empathy, openness and kindness, and we welcome your feedback as we continue to learn. Share your ideas with our team—we’re listening. 

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Artist commissions 2025 callout

By Artists Commissions, CB News

 

 

 

ARTISTS’ COMMISSIONS 2025 CALLOUT

Download Brochure

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place from Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 of July in the heart of the Royal Docks, bringing an explosive mix of circus, theatre, dance, installations and outdoor performance.

This year marks the 6th Ensemble Festival with a programme of national and international work and commissions with our partners, the Royal Docks Team. Ensemble Festival is produced by Certain Blacks, a diverse-led development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices.

Further info about Certain Blacks and the Royal Docks Team is at the end of this document.

ABOUT THE COMMISSIONS

We have two exciting opportunities for artists to create work for Ensemble Festival 2025

We are looking for local artists living or working in Newham who are creating new work to be performed outdoors, or want to test out an artistic idea within an outdoor environment. We are offering 2 artistic commissions for artists to develop new original work to be presented at Ensemble Festival 2025.

We welcome expressions of interest from a wide range of creative practices (music, circus, performance, dance, spoken word, theatre, installations and live art) to develop works that are accessible to a cross-section of audiences to be presented free at Ensemble Festival 2025.

We particularly encourage applications from artists who are underrepresented in the arts sector, including Black, Global Majority, D/deaf, disabled, neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, working class, absolute low-income and relative low-income artists and companies.

The festival is designed for local people, creating an accessible, safe outdoor space for audiences and artists, contributing to growing the local economy and cultural landscape.

The new commissions are being supported by the Royal Docks Team as part of the development of the Cultural and Creative workforce in the local area and will be supported by Certain Blacks, Commission Producer, Senior Producer and Artistic Director.

We are looking for:
Emerging artists who have been involved in developing professional work/have a professional track record of making art and performance.
Artists who want to test, explore and develop bold, innovative, creative work that engages local audiences in outdoor settings.
Work that is realistic to deliver within the project timeframe and is adaptable to outdoor locations.
Pieces that are approximately 15 – 20 minutes in length and can be presented in the daytime.
Applicants must be London-based. We highly encourage artists based in Newham and East London to apply.

We offer:
Up to £1,500 per commissioned artist (inclusive of artists’ fees and expenses).
Performance spots on both days of Ensemble Festival, which takes place at the Royal Victoria Docks on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 2025.
The opportunity to work alongside our Commission Producer, who will support the artist’s needs in the development of the new work and liaise with the wider festival team.
Photo coverage of the public sharing.

How to apply

Please send an email to info@certainblacks.com with the subject line ‘Ensemble Festival 2025 commission application’ with the following:
A short expression of interest (max of 2 A4 pages) including a brief outline of the artistic idea you want to develop for the commission.
CV or history of your artistic development.
A rough budget that reflects how you will use the commission fee.
Please fill out our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form: https://forms.gle/XCatJ4Tyxpd7nnRm6

If you would like to submit your application in a different format or would like to have an informal, confidential conversation about this opportunity, please get in touch with General Manager, Maria Cuervo, at maria@certainblacks.com All submissions should be sent to info@certainblacks.com

 

IMPORTANT DATES
Submissions open 28th of May 2025
Application deadline 27th of June 2025
Selected commission will be notified by 2nd July 2025 
Artistic development activity 3rd of July – 10th July 2025 
Production deadline 14th July
Suggested rehearsal period 14 – 24 July

Sharings 26th and 27th of July at Ensemble Festival 2025

 

ABOUT CERTAIN BLACKS
Certain Blacks is a diverse-led arts development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices. The company produces two annual festivals, pop-up and partnership events operating across a range of art forms, including live art, music, theatre, circus, digital and music. Long-term relationships with artists and arts organisations, venues, festivals, and promoters are core to the company’s mission of securing lasting investment in diverse work for touring and performance in the UK and beyond.
Certain Blacks is a Company Limited by Guarantee, non-profit objectives are:
Support the creative development and promotion of diverse artists.
Challenge assumptions about their work and the audiences that see it.
Support and develop platforms where diverse work can be experienced, including outdoor festivals, in regional and national venues and digitally.
In April 2023, Certain Blacks became an Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation and will receive regular funding until March 2027. The organisation is part of the artistic directorate of Without Walls, a national commissioning network for Outdoor Arts and regularly works in partnership with The Royal Docks and London Borough of Newham.
Further information can be found at www.certainblacks.com

Certain Blacks is committed to being a truly inclusive organisation – from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all applications equally, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic.

ABOUT THE ROYAL DOCKS TEAM

The Royal Docks Team is a joint initiative between the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. Led by a multi-disciplinary team, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, culture and community underpins one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK.

Inspired by its diverse communities, rich heritage, and iconic landscape, the Royal Docks aims to become ‘London’s Cultural Engine’ – an innovative ideas factory and creative production centre that will build and nourish an inclusive and vibrant local scene for community arts, heritage, culture, and creativity that is open to all. www.royaldocks.london

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Ensemble Festival 2025 on its Way

By Ensemble Festival 2025

Certain Blacks presents

Ensemble Festival 2025

26 and 27 July 2025

 

Free and suitable for all age groups

This July, Certain Blacks presents Ensemble Festival 2025 in London’s historic Royal Victoria Docks. Now in its sixth edition, this outdoor celebration of circus, dance, physical theatre and street art returns on two full days, including all-new work from groundbreaking UK artists. It’s free, suitable for all ages, and strives to be accessible for all. 

Taking place across East London’s spectacular waterside destination, Ensemble Festival highlights include Hydropunk, an interactive water installation by outdoor arts veterans Artizani and sustainability-focused Tenderfoot Theatre; HUG by Levantes Theatre, a visually arresting aerial performance exploring the simple act of a hug; and Waiting Song by circus director Mish Weaver, a moving trapeze duet about how hopes for the future shape the way we speak and move. Returning Olivier-winner Francesca Bagioni (aka Miss High Leg Kick) brings a multi-sensory and wacky flashback to a night out in late 1950s dance halls in PALAIS DE DANSE, while Nandita Shankardass’ Roots to Rise blends dance and poetry in a call to ecological and ancestral reconnection. The acclaimed physical comedian Tiago Fonseca performs NoMo, a clown show about the contemporary addiction to screens and TELL ME by Sadiq Ali Co. tackles stigma around HIV through circus, blending breathtaking Chinese pole and physical storytelling. Theatre legend and director David Glass and internationally renowned Vidya Thirunarayan co-present HOLY DIRT, uniting earth, myth and movement in a visually stunning piece featuring Indian performance styles and modern physical theatre forms, such as bouffon and melodrama. Tilly Ingram’s The Hide offers an audio-led birdwatching installation that reflects on hidden disabilities and what not be immediately obvious to the eye.  And closing the weekend with radical joy, TRUTH by outdoor artists Ramshacklicious and inclusive theatre company Hijinx transforms the docks into a revolutionary street theatre celebration that questions societal norms.

With something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to dazzling circus acts, thought-provoking theatre, or playful outdoor installations—Ensemble Festival 2025 promises to be a joyful, inclusive celebration of creativity and community. And this is just the beginning. We’ll be sharing full schedules, artist spotlights, and accessibility updates in the coming weeks. Keep checking back for the latest announcements and behind-the-scenes stories as we build towards a festival that’s free, open to all, and unforgettable.

 

We are Turning 10

By CB News

We are turning 10

 

And we will start the celebration with our in-door festival ‘Afro Futures’ in March 2025

We are thrilled to continue supporting diverse artists and we are over the moon to be celebrating our 10th anniversary next year! We are getting ready to celebrate these past 10 years with our indoor festival Afro Futures happening in March 2025 at the Rich Mix (more venues will be announced). As we prepare for the festival, we have some exciting news to share with you so keep checking to find out what our plans are!

‘Afro Futures’ is a programme of work which reflects on where we are as diverse artists and where our future may be within an unsure world. The festival includes work developed within a changing cultural climate and claims about what it is to be British and our collective identity.

The festival will happen in March next year at the Rich Mix and further venues will be announced soon!

We’re Hiring 2025

By CB News, Work With Us

page1image13086704

Company Number 9589499 VAT Reg No 327 0924 09 certainblacks.com

 

Join Certain Blacks: Championing Diverse Voices in the Arts

Certain Blacks is an East London-based arts development organisation committed to presenting performance, live art, music, and theatre that reflect the creative voices of our diverse society. We aim to challenge the norms of performance and bring art from the margins into the mainstream. Our philosophy is to provide performance opportunities for new, emerging, and established artists of the highest quality.

As we continue to grow and innovate, we are excited to invite passionate individuals to join our team in the roles of Commissions Producer and Festival Producer. These positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to our mission of supporting diverse artists and bringing compelling performances to a wide audience.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: FESTIVAL PRODUCER

 Download brochure

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place from Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 of July in the heart of the Royal Docks, bringing an explosive mix of circus, theatre, dance, installations and outdoor performance.

This year marks the 6th Ensemble Festival with a programme of national and international work and commissions with our partners Without Out Walls and the Royal Docks. Ensemble Festival is produced by Certain Blacks, a diverse-led arts development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices.

Further info about Certain Blacks is at the end of this document. 

 

Job title: Festival Producer

Reports to: Senior Producer, connecting with festival team (Artistic Director, General Manager, Festival Producer, Production, Marketing, etc.)

Fee: £1,557 based on £175/day for 9 days (5 days planning, development and evaluation, 4 days festival delivery)

Contract Dates:  June 18 – August 8 2025

Key dates / On-site activity: 21 July (training tbc), 26 and 27 July (festival days).

Place of work: Based in the Certain Blacks Office, at Unit 16d, The Factory, 5A and 5Pt Thameside Ind Estate, Factory Road, E16 2HB, with remote working and weekends/evenings as appropriate.

Terms:  This is a freelance contract, and the post-holder is responsible for their own tax and insurance. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

We are looking for a versatile and hands-on Producer to join our busy festival team and play a crucial and supportive role in our upcoming Ensemble Festival, happening from 26 – 27 July at the Royal Victoria Docks. The Producer will work closely with the Senior Producer to organise and deliver elements of the programme, with specific responsibility for trainee festival assistants and overseeing the new commissions programme. 

This post is being supported by the Royal Docks Team as part of the development of the Cultural and Creative workforce in the local area and will be supported by Certain Blacks Senior Producer.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

General Festival Management

  • Support the Senior Producer in the organisation of the festival: gathering, collating, and disseminating artists’ information (marketing, technical, accommodation, parking, catering and access needs).
  • Support the Festival Production Manager in sourcing and collating local information, equipment, and materials for production where necessary.
  • Support the Certain Blacks team in managing audience and artists’ evaluation, collection, and collation with festival assistants.
  • Attend staff meetings and share the development of areas of responsibility with the wider team.
  • Support the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability action plans.

Festival Assistants

  • Recruiting a team of 10 local festival assistants to work across the weekend, including creating the call out, digital sign up and selection process.
  • Supporting the Senior Producer in delivering a training day for the assistants in the week leading up to the festival, including organising content, printouts, lunch, and venue hire.
  • To schedule the assistants, work shifts, ensuring all performance spaces and areas such as the artists’ green room and info tent are staffed, and the workload for assistants is balanced and appropriate for the level of experience.
  • Managing the festival assistants on the event day, and ensuring they comply with agreed protocol and deliver agreed tasks.
  • Collating feedback and invoices for assistants’ payments.

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Festival Producer will be expected to perform any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

PERSON SPEC

Below is a list of the experience, skills and attributes that we’re looking for, but we know that not everyone can meet all of them. If you don’t think you have everything on the list but know that you could make a real difference to Certain Blacks, then we encourage you to make an application.

Experience

  • Working on a variety of arts and/or cultural projects and co-ordinating a range of activities to deadlines and under pressure.
  • Working on a festival / cultural programme delivering multiple performances simultaneously.
  • Working with a diverse range of artists, creatives, and communities to support creative delivery and development.
  • Experience and understanding of the challenges of presenting new commissions in a range of art disciplines.
  • Experience of working with diverse communities.

Skills 

  • The ability to deliver complex project management within a creative setting.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, planning own workload but reporting back in a timely manner.
  • Flexible attitude and ability to adapt and thrive in a creative environment where last minute changes can occur.
  • Ability to manage budgets, schedules and provide forecasts and updates.
  • Ability to motivate and support community groups and individuals.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of practicalities, policies and procedures needed to produce a festival.
  • An understanding of and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
  • Knowledge of and proficiency in computer software packages such as Word, Excel, Dropbox, Zoom, etc.

Qualities

  • Enthusiasm for and commitment to the arts.
  • Practical and adaptable team player.
  • A positive and enthusiastic approach to work and its challenges. 
  • Quick thinker with flexible and adaptable operational skills.
  • Good attention to detail, high standards of accuracy and a good completer.
  • Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the programme.

Desirable

  • Based in Newham with knowledge of Newham and the Royal Docks area.
  • Experience of working at outdoor festivals.
  • Experience working with and motivating groups and individuals.
  • Emotional intelligence and the ability to self-reflect.

 

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Please send your application via email to info@certainblacks.com with 
  • A detailed CV (no more than two A4 pages) with relevant experience in relation to the job description.
  • Names and contact details of two referees
  • A brief summary (no more than two pages A4) of your relevant experience and skills, and responding to the criteria listed in the person specification and job description duties. 

OR a video application responding to the criteria listed in the person specification and job description duties (no longer than 3 minutes).

  • Please add “Festival Producer application” and your name to the subject line of your email.

Any individual meeting the person spec is welcome to apply, but please note that we will be prioritising applications from those based in the Royal Docks and Newham.

  1. Please fill out our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form: https://forms.gle/XCatJ4Tyxpd7nnRm6 

Note: By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our GDPR policy and to share your contact details with the Royal Docks team. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Closing date: Monday, 9th June at midnight 
  • Interview date (online): Monday, 16th June from 2 pm – 5 pm.
  • Starting day: Thursday, 19th of June 2025

If you would like to have an informal, confidential conversation about the role or would like to have the application pack in a different version, please email maria@certainblacks.com.

 

ABOUT CERTAIN BLACKS

Certain Blacks is a diverse-led arts development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices.  The company produces two annual festivals, pop-up and partnership events operating across a range of art forms, including live art, music, theatre, circus, digital and music. Long-term relationships with artists and arts organisations, venues, festivals, and promoters are core to the company’s mission of securing lasting investment in diverse work for touring and performance in the UK and beyond.

Certain Blacks is a Company Limited by Guarantee; its non-profit objectives are: 

  • Support the creative development and promotion of diverse artists. 
  • Challenge assumptions about their work and the audiences that see it. 
  • Support and develop platforms where diverse work can be experienced, including outdoor festivals, in regional and national venues and digitally. 

In April 2023, Certain Blacks became an Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation and will receive regular funding until March 2027. The organisation is part of the artistic directorate of Without Walls, a national commissioning network for Outdoor Arts and regularly works in partnership with The Royal Docks and London Borough of Newham.

Certain Blacks is committed to being a truly inclusive organisation – from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all job applications equally, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented in the cultural sector, including working-class people, disabled people, and people from Global Majority backgrounds.

Our organisation has a flexible and adaptive environment that allows our small, dedicated team to flourish. We are open to discussing the possibility of remote working, flexible start and finish times. We will explore this with candidates at the interview stage.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, Certain Blacks will offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

ABOUT THE ROYAL DOCKS TEAM

The Royal Docks Team is a joint initiative between the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. Led by a multi-disciplinary team, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, culture and community underpins one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK.

JOB DESCRIPTION: COMMISSIONS PRODUCER

 Download brochure

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place from Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 of July in the heart of the Royal Docks, bringing an explosive mix of circus, theatre, dance, installations and outdoor performance.

This year marks the 6th Ensemble Festival with a programme of national and international work and commissions with our partners Without Out Walls and the Royal Docks. Ensemble Festival is produced by Certain Blacks, a diverse-led arts development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices.

Further info about Certain Blacks is at the end of this document. 

 

Job title: Commissions Producer

Reports to: Senior Producer, connecting with festival team (Artistic Director, General Manager, Festival Producer, Production, Marketing, etc.)

Fee: £1,557 based on £175/day for 9 days

Contract Dates:  June 18 – August 8 2025

Key dates / On-site activity: 26 and 27 July 2025 (festival days)

Place of work: Based in the Certain Blacks Office, at Unit 16d, The Factory, 5A and 5Pt Thameside Ind Estate, Factory Road, E16 2HB, with remote working and weekends/evenings as appropriate.

Terms:  This is a freelance contract, and the post-holder is responsible for their own tax and insurance. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

We are looking for a versatile and hands-on Commissions Producer to join our busy festival team and play a crucial and supportive role in our upcoming Ensemble Festival, happening from 26 – 27 July at the Royal Victoria Docks. The Commissions Producer will ensure the 2 new commissions are deliverable to a realistic timeline, budget and that aligns with the ethos of the company. The new commissions will be approximately 20 minutes in length and will be performed at the 2025 Ensemble Festival.

This post is being supported by the Royal Docks Team as part of the development of the Cultural and Creative workforce in the local area and will be supported by Certain Blacks Artistic Director and Senior Producer.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Commission 2 new 20-minute duration arts commissions for Ensemble Festival by Newham/ East London-based practitioners, including promoting the call out, being part of the selection process, and being responsible for contracting, supported by the Senior Producer and General Manager.
  • Work with artists to develop 2 new commissions, supporting all logistics from planning to the final presentation of the new work at Ensemble Festival.
  • Sourcing and collating local information, equipment, and materials for the commissions, where necessary.
  • Manage and share information about each commission with the Festival Producer and the wider festival team.
  • Develop all health and safety requirements, such as risk assessments and public liability insurance cover, with support from the Senior Producer.
  • Ensure all technical and health, and safety documentation is shared with the Festival team. 
  • To manage and update commission budgets and discuss any potential budget variances with the Senior Producer and Artistic Director.
  • Help source rehearsal space for commissioned artists, if applicable.
  • Support the marketing team around campaign plans; this includes collating and creating production copy, press releases, biogs, images, social media handles and any other info required.
  • Support the team in managing artists’ evaluation, collection, and collation.
  • Attend staff meetings and share the development of areas of responsibility with the wider team.
  • Support the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability action plans.

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Commissions Producer will be expected to perform any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

PERSON SPEC

Below is a list of the experience, skills and attributes that we’re looking for, but we know that not everyone can meet all of them. If you don’t think you have everything on the list but know that you could make a real difference to Certain Blacks, then we encourage you to make an application.

Skills

  • Proven experience working with artists or arts-based projects.
  • An understanding of financial literacy, experience in managing project budgets and timelines.
  • Positive attitude and relationship management to support artists in developing their artistic ambitions creatively and logistically.
  • Must be a self-starter able to manage time, workload and commitments.
  • Must be comfortable with working independently, managing a range of relationships, and have good communication skills.
  • Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.
  • Logistical skills such as gathering, collating, and disseminating artists’ information (technical, parking, catering and access needs).

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of the practicalities, policies and procedures needed to produce a piece of new work to be performed outdoors.
  • An understanding of and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
  • Knowledge of and proficiency in computer software packages such as Word, Excel, Dropbox, Zoom, etc.

Qualities

  • Enthusiasm for and commitment to the arts.
  • A positive and enthusiastic approach to work and its challenges. 
  • Quick thinker with flexible and adaptable operational skills.
  • Good attention to detail, high standards of accuracy and a good completer.
  • Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the programme.

Desirable

  • Based in Newham with knowledge of Newham and the Royal Docks area
  • Experience working with artists in an outdoor setting.
  • Experience working with and motivating groups and individuals.
  • Emotional intelligence and the ability to self-reflect.
     

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Please send your application via email to info@certainblacks.com with 
  • A detailed CV (no more than two A4 pages) with relevant experience in relation to the job description.
  • Names and contact details of two referees
  • A brief summary (no more than two pages A4) of your relevant experience and skills, and responding to the criteria listed in the person specification and job description duties. 

OR a video application responding to the criteria listed in the person specification and job description duties (no longer than 3 minutes).

  • Please add “Commissions Producer application” and your name to the subject line of your email.

Any individual meeting the person spec is welcome to apply, but please note that we will be prioritising applications from those based in the Royal Docks and Newham.

  1. Please fill out our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form: https://forms.gle/XCatJ4Tyxpd7nnRm6 

Note: By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our GDPR policy and to share your contact details with the Royal Docks team. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Closing date: Monday, 9th June at midnight 
  • Interview date (online): Monday, 16th June from 10 am – 1 pm.
  • Starting day: Thursday, 19th of June 2025

If you would like to have an informal, confidential conversation about the role or would like to have the application pack in a different version, please email maria@certainblacks.com.

 

ABOUT CERTAIN BLACKS

Certain Blacks is a diverse-led arts development organisation based in Newham, East London. The company supports the work of diverse artists from many different cultural, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices.  The company produces two annual festivals, pop-up and partnership events operating across a range of art forms, including live art, music, theatre, circus, digital and music. Long-term relationships with artists and arts organisations, venues, festivals, and promoters are core to the company’s mission of securing lasting investment in diverse work for touring and performance in the UK and beyond.

Certain Blacks is a Company Limited by Guarantee; its non-profit objectives are: 

  • Support the creative development and promotion of diverse artists. 
  • Challenge assumptions about their work and the audiences that see it. 
  • Support and develop platforms where diverse work can be experienced, including outdoor festivals, in regional and national venues and digitally. 

In April 2023, Certain Blacks became an Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation and will receive regular funding until March 2027. The organisation is part of the artistic directorate of Without Walls, a national commissioning network for Outdoor Arts and regularly works in partnership with The Royal Docks and London Borough of Newham.

Certain Blacks is committed to being a truly inclusive organisation – from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all job applications equally, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented in the cultural sector, including working-class people, disabled people, and people from Global Majority backgrounds.

Our organisation has a flexible and adaptive environment that allows our small, dedicated team to flourish. We are open to discussing the possibility of remote working, flexible start and finish times. We will explore this with candidates at the interview stage.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, Certain Blacks will offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

ABOUT THE ROYAL DOCKS TEAM

The Royal Docks Team is a joint initiative between the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. Led by a multi-disciplinary team, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, culture and community underpins one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK.

Inspired by its diverse communities, rich heritage, and iconic landscape, the Royal Docks aims to become ‘London’s Cultural Engine’ – an innovative ideas factory and creative production centre that will build and nourish an inclusive and vibrant local scene for community arts, heritage, culture, and creativity that is open to all. www.royaldocks.london

 

 

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Miss High Leg Kick – PALAIS DE DANSE

By Performing Artist 25

Ensemble Festival 2025

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July

Ensemble Festival 25

Miss High Leg Kick – PALAIS DE DANSE

Miss High Leg KickPALAIS DE DANSE

This year sees the return of Oliver-winning live artist Francesca Baglione (aka, Miss High Leg Kick) with PALAIS DE DANSE, a multi-sensory flashback (with a modern ‘Twist’) to a night out in late 1950s British dance halls. The offbeat, interactive show with multi-generational appeal celebrates the collective excitement of teenage nights then and now. Supported by Certain Blacks.

PALAIS DE DANSE
Francesca Baglione (Miss High Leg Kick) is an established Olivier Award-winning live artist whose work uses collaboration and unusual approaches to audience engagement to create ambitious, accessible performances.
Large-scale outdoor works (e.g. Fashion Bus and Audition Project) and
interactive pieces (C’est Barbican / Duckie!, Bird Rave and Eau de Memoire) are marked by humour, a love of spectacle, dance and the celebration of the everyday.
She is an Associate Artist of Duckie.

Facebook: @misshighlegkick
Instagram: @misshighlegkick

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place at the Royal Docks in East London: 

Travel

DLR Royal Victoria – The site is a 10-minute walk from Royal Victoria DLR station. This is an accessible station. 

Elizabeth Line Custom House 

Buses 325, 474, 241 and 129 (from Lewisham and Greenwich through the new Silvertown Tunnel) 

IFS Cable Car from the O2 Centre

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Nandita Shankardass – Roots to Rise

By Performing Artist 25

Ensemble Festival 2025

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July

Ensemble Festival 25

Nandita Shankardass - Roots to Rise

Dance theatre work Roots to Rise, follows the journey of three women as they reconnect with the earth, ancestral wisdom, and to the futures emerging on the horizon, celebrating freedom, resistance and community.
Nandita Shankardass (she/her) is a Performing Artist, Choreographer, Educator, Movement facilitator and the Founder of Welcome Movement®. To date, she is one of two females of Indian heritage to have trained at The Royal Ballet School, and went on to become one of the first and few female professional Ballet dancers of Indian heritage in the world. She nurtures her creative practice with communities, professional artists and young people, in a range of settings from theatres to public spaces including museums, galleries and the outdoors.
Nandita is curious about human connection and ecology and is inspired by the act of exchange and co-creation, where we share our stories and harness the power of our lived experience in accessible, engaging and transformative ways.

Funding, commissioning and partner credits:
Roots to Rise is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by An Indian Summer Festival, Stockton International Riverside Festival and Brighton Festival.
With additional support from Old Diorama Arts Centre as part of New Narratives, The Rose Choreographic School and Studio Wayne McGregor’s FreeSpace Programme.
The R&D for Roots To Rise was supported by 101 Outdoor Arts, Seedbed Funding.

Facebook: @NanditaShankardass
Instagram: @nandidevi

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place at the Royal Docks in East London: 

Travel

DLR Royal Victoria – The site is a 10-minute walk from Royal Victoria DLR station. This is an accessible station. 

Elizabeth Line Custom House 

Buses 325, 474, 241 and 129 (from Lewisham and Greenwich through the new Silvertown Tunnel) 

IFS Cable Car from the O2 Centre

Subscribe to Certain Blacks and never miss out

Tiago Fonseca – NoMo

By Performing Artist 25

Ensemble Festival 2025

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July

Ensemble Festival 25

Tiago Fonseca - NoMo

The acclaimed physical comedian Tiago Fonseca comes to Ensemble Festival with NoMo, a clown show about the contemporary addiction to screens. With dazzling juggling and laugh-out-loud moments, Tiago explores how using smartphones affects our body language and real-life encounters.
NoMo
Tiago Fonseca is a multidisciplinary circus artist. He is specialised in physical comedy and clown with extensive experience working at a variety of scales, from intimate street shows to opera houses with audiences of thousands. Tiago’s practice has benefited from a wide range of contexts, circus, theatre, television and cinema. Including, over the last few years, performing with several celebrated German Opera Houses.
Facebook: @tiagofonseca
Instagram: @tiagofonseca55

Ensemble Festival 2025 takes place at the Royal Docks in East London: 

Travel

DLR Royal Victoria – The site is a 10-minute walk from Royal Victoria DLR station. This is an accessible station. 

Elizabeth Line Custom House 

Buses 325, 474, 241 and 129 (from Lewisham and Greenwich through the new Silvertown Tunnel) 

IFS Cable Car from the O2 Centre

Subscribe to Certain Blacks and never miss out