Thank you for you interest in working at St Laurence: Stroud Centre for Peace and the Arts.
We currently have the following opportunities available:
Archivist: 1 April 2026
Project Overview
St Laurence Restored: Protecting Stroud’s Historic Heart is a major capital and engagement project to secure and revitalize the Grade II* listed St Laurence Church in central Stroud. Alongside critical conservation work, the project will deliver a rich programme of heritage and community engagement.
The project is structured into two phases:
- Development Phase (60 weeks): Planning, investigation, community engagement pilots
- Delivery Phase (60 weeks): Capital repairs and full public engagement programme
Purpose of This Role
We are seeking an experienced Archive Advisor to support the Development Phase of the project. This role will focus on analysing the church’s existing archives, assessing their content and condition, and advising on best-practice approaches to future public access and interpretation. This role will explore how existing records and materials can be made more accessible, meaningful, and inspiring now and for the future.
This commission is advisory and strategic, not delivery focused. The work will underpin future decisions about how St Laurence Church incorporates its archival materials into the wider project (The Delivery Phase) and long-term heritage offer. The Heritage Engagement Interpretation Lead will be responsible for delivering archive-based engagement during the Delivery Phase, based on the Archive Advisor’s recommendations. Subject to funding and project needs, there may be an opportunity to extend involvement into the Delivery Phase (e.g., supporting implementation of archive engagement activity).
Scope of Work
Development Phase (2026)
Estimated input: 6–8 days
Tasks:
- Conduct an initial audit of existing archive holdings (physical and digital)
- Assess condition, accessibility, relevance, and potential risks/opportunities
- Identify key themes and stories that could support the project's heritage engagement aims
- Advise the Heritage Engagement and Interpretation Leads on best practice for:
- Incorporating archival materials into public interpretation
- Handling, cataloguing, and digitisation priorities
- Sustainable archive stewardship post-project
- Produce a short Archive Recommendations Report summarising findings and proposals
Deliverables
- Archive Audit Report
- Best Practice Guidance Note for using and displaying archival material
- Recommendations for future archive stewardship
- Clear handover brief for the Interpretation Lead to enable confident use of archival material in public-facing outputs
Key Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience in archival research, analysis, and public access strategies
- Understanding of heritage engagement and interpretation planning
- Ability to advise on practical considerations (e.g., digitisation, conservation, community use)
- Experience of working with heritage-at-risk, church, or community archives (desirable)
Timescale & Budget
Contract Period: May 2026 – September 2026 (Development Phase only)
Estimated Days: 6–8 days
Budget Range: £1,800–£2,000 inclusive of VAT and expenses (based on £300 day)
If interested, please submit:
- A CV or brief biography
- 1-2 examples of similar strategic archive advisory work
- A short outline of your approach (max. 1 page)
- Your day rate and confirmation of availability.#
Deadline: 1 April 2026
Interviews: 15 April 2026 Ideally to start on appointment.
Contact: camilla.hale@stroudparishchurches.org.uk
St Laurence Church is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to equal opportunities and actively encourage applications from individuals and organisations from all backgrounds, including those currently underrepresented in the heritage and cultural sectors.
Apex Cross Artist Commission, 17th April 2026
Project Overview
St Laurence Restored: Protecting Stroud’s Historic Heart is a major capital and engagement project to secure and revitalize the Grade II* listed St Laurence Church in central Stroud. Alongside critical conservation work, the project will deliver a rich programme of heritage and community engagement.
The project is structured into two phases:
- Development Phase (60 weeks): Planning, investigation, community engagement pilots
- Delivery Phase (60 weeks): Capital repairs and full public engagement programme
Purpose of This Role
We are seeking expressions of interest from stoneworkers, artist blacksmiths and other 3D materials designers to design and, subject to available funding, produce up to seven new apex crosses. The intention is to blend respect for the church's historical and architectural significance with innovative, imaginative responses that will contribute to the building's visual identity for future generations. This commission offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at one of Stroud’s most historic and visible landmarks, combining tradition, creativity, and public engagement.
St Laurence is an exciting church with dynamic congregations, an engagement with mystical Christianity and working to engage with all to give the church and all the events that take place there a vision of what a town centre church can be at its best. This is a legacy project to enhance the church with the Restoration project for a future century
Aims of the Commission:
- Reimagine the seven lost apex crosses with sensitivity to the church's Gothic Revival character but also taking into account Stroud’s contemporary and innovative community spirit.
- Celebrate craftsmanship and creativity in stonework and all other potential long lasting materials.
- Enhance public appreciation of heritage through visible, thoughtful additions.
- Provide an opportunity for emerging and experienced artists to contribute to this landmark Stroud institution.
- We would encourage applying artists to engage with local residents in Stroud, and incorporate any ideas or concepts gleaned, that resonate with their artistic intention.
Scope of the Commission
- Submit up to two concept designs for one or more apex crosses.
- Designs should be feasible in natural stone or other materials and suitable for high-level, external placement.
- Designs must take into account weathering, durability, and weight constraints.
- Designs must be appropriate in scale and compatible with the building’s Grade II* listing.
- Consideration should be given to safe and secure installation.
Commission Process:
- Stage 1: Open call for design concepts from interested artists, collaborations welcome.
- Stage 2: Shortlist of up to 4 artists invited to develop detailed proposals and maquettes.
- Stage 3: Final selection based on design quality, heritage sensitivity, and technical feasibility.
Budget:
Subject to funding, a budget will be available for:
- Artist maquette design fee (Stage 2 finalists) of £500 per artist
- Fabrication and installation of selected works – up to £1,500 per cross
Timeline:
- Call for entries: March 2026
- Submission deadline: April 17th 2026
- Shortlisting and feedback: May 8th 2026
- Maquette consultation and exhibition in St Laurence June 26th to August 21st 2026
- Final selection with maquettes: August 28th 2026 for Listed Building Consent
- Creation and Installation: Late 2027
Who Can Apply:
- Individual artists or teams with experience in stone carving, public art, or architectural sculpture.
- Emerging and established artists are welcome.
- Applicants must be able to provide examples of previous relevant work.
Submission Requirements:
- Artist CV or team biography
- Statement of interest
- Up to two concept designs (sketches or digital renderings)
- Supporting images of previous work
Selection Panel:
A panel including representatives from the St Laurence Project Team, heritage consultants, local artists, and community stakeholders will review submissions.
How to Apply: Please send your submission as a PDF to: camilla.hale@stroudparishchurches.org.uk.
Deadline for entries: 17th April 2026 at 5pm. Postal entries should be posted to St Laurence Church Office, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP.
For further information, contact Camilla Hale on camilla.hale@stroudparishchurches.org.uk.
St Laurence Church is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to equal opportunities and actively encourage applications from individuals and organisations from all backgrounds, including those currently underrepresented in the heritage and cultural sectors.
