Host organisation: Edinburgh Printmakers
Project title: Value of Printmaking and the Arts
Project description

This internship will focus on exploring the social, cultural and economic benefits of funding for arts organisations, using Edinburgh Printmakers as a case study. The project will pilot a new way of measuring “triple bottom line” value for small and medium-sized arts organisations in Scotland, helping to capture their wider impact beyond traditional financial metrics.

The researcher will investigate how creative activity contributes to community well-being and cohesion, how artists and cultural organisations benefit from enhanced support and opportunities for innovation, and how the sector generates economic value through employment and its contribution to the wider visitor economy. The project may also involve engaging with key partners such as local authorities, government bodies and academic research centres to provide further context and depth.

Outputs
  • Development of a research brief in collaboration with the CEO and staff at Edinburgh Printmakers and external partners.
  • Development of a research framework to span a two year period.
  • The delivery of a Stage 1 report capturing impact to date.
Location
The intern will be offered a desk at Edinburgh Printmakers. It is anticipated that meetings will mainly take place in person at Edinburgh Printmakers or offsite. Hybrid working is an option.
Benefits to the researcher

The researcher will have the opportunity to work with a key institution in the City, alongside a skilled network of staff and freelancers. They will develop an understanding of printmaking as a practice and the value that community based visual arts organisations offer to society.

They will generate a critical understanding of the impact of cultural regeneration within a key development area within Edinburgh where new businesses, housing, hospitality and culture are coming together to forge a new community on a site with significant industrial heritage. It is an interesting time to work at Edinburgh Printmakers as we prepare for museum accreditation alongside programming a series of contemporary exhibitions in the lead up to our 60th anniversary year.

Key relationships

The researcher will work alongside the Chief Executive, Janet Archer, former Chief Executive of Creative Scotland and Director of Festival, Cultural and City Events at the University of Edinburgh. They will partner with colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council and potentially the Scottish and UK Governments alongside academic partners to shape this research. Focus groups will take place in collaboration with our Ilaria Casini, our Community Engagement Officer, and Dr Meg Dolan, our former PhD research intern and now Collections Development Manager.

Timescale

Start date (or must start by): Flexible

End date (or must end by): Flexible

Work structure: Flexible

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:

Visual Arts; Museum Policy & Management; Heritage Management.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Essential: Research methods – theoretical knowledge; Research methods – Practical application; Information seeking; Information literacy and management; Academic literacy and numeracy.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Essential: Analysing; Synthesising; Critical thinking; Evaluating; Problem Solving.
A3. Creativity
  • Essential: Inquiring minds; Intellectual insight; Innovation; Argument construction; Intellectual risk.
B1. Personal qualities
  • Essential: Enthusiasm; Perseverance; Integrity; Self-reflection; Responsibility.
  • Desirable: Self-confidence.
B2. Self management
  • Essential: Preparation and prioritisation; Commitment to research; Time management; Responsiveness to change; Work-life balance.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Continuing professional development; Networking; Reputation and esteem; Responsiveness to opportunities.
  • Desirable: Career management; Reputation & esteem. 
C1. Professional conduct
  • Essential: Health and Safety; Ethics, principles and sustainability; Appropriate practice; Respect and confidentiality; Attribution and co-authorship.
  • Desirable: Legal requirements; IPR & copyright.
C2. Research management
  • Essential: Research Strategy; Project planning and delivery.
  • Desirable: Risk management.
C3. Finance, funding & resources
  • Desirable: Income and funding generation; Financial management; Infrastructure and resources.
D1. Working with others
  • Essential: Collegiality; Team working; Collaboration; Equality and diversity; nfluence and leadership.
  • Desirable: People management; Supervision; Mentoring.
D2. Communication & dissemination
  • Essential: Publication.
  • Desirable: Communication methods; Communication media.
D3. Engagement & impact
  • Essential: Public engagement; Enterprise; Policy; Society and culture; Global citizenship.
  • Desirable: Teaching.

First published: 9 October 2025

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