VACANCY – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The Board of The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow is seeking an ambitious, highly motivated and visionary Artistic Director. The Artistic Director will report to the Board and will be responsible for the strategic development, artistic vision, programming and financial and operational management of the Centre.
THE COURTHOUSE ARTS CENTRE, founded in 1996, was the first professional arts centre outside of Dublin. It is situated in the stunning surrounds of South County Wicklow, at the tail end of the Wicklow Way on the borders of Carlow and Wexford.
The Courthouse is set in the heart of a thriving and diverse artistic community, with strong links to the surrounding local community. It is supported by an enthusiastic and enterprising Board of Directors.
This role is a visible and highly interpersonal one, being a figurehead for the Centre within the local community and within the greater artistic and cultural community of Ireland.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – Overview of the Role
The candidate will have the knowledge, skills and experience to manage and lead The Courthouse Arts Centre. The implementation of a strategic plan that will take the Courthouse forward over the next five years will begin the successful candidate’s tenure at the arts centre.
The Artistic Director holds and implements the artistic vision and strategy of the centre. This role requires vision and resilience along with an open generosity and an ability to allow artist-led development and creation.
Nurturing relationships with artists and audiences while negotiating and networking within the national arts and cultural sectors is a central responsibility of this role.
The role requires excellent communication skills and an ability to lead a team. The role will include working closely with the Technical Manager, staff, artists, performers, audiences and the greater community of Tinahely and surrounding areas.
It will also require the candidate to further develop existing close relationships with funding bodies such as the Arts Council, Wicklow Arts Office, Pobal, Create Ireland and more. Strong funding application skills and experience are essential.
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable understanding and fluency of accounts, budgets, financial planning, cashflows and payroll software. Managing the Centre is primarily budgetary and your ability to creatively work within these complex budgets is fundamental.
The successful candidate must have sound, proven management and administration experience with at least three years’ experience in the artistic/cultural sector and/or in a business/management role.
This role will require an ability to manage marketing and work with media, both traditional and social, on a strategic and administrative level.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – Essential Qualities
The successful candidate will have exceptional leadership qualities.
A demonstrable fluency in finance, budgets and accounts is imperative.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to convince and influence outcomes.
The capacity to collaborate, develop relationships and negotiate for the good for the Arts Centre with national and local funding bodies, visiting performers, artists-in-residence, community representatives, audiences and staff.
The ability to juggle a large and varied workload.
A highly motivated person with keen leadership skills, an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence within the arts.
Strong ethics: we seek an individual who will act always with the best interests of the arts centre, with a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
A confident leader with an artist-centred approach and a strong understanding of the needs of the artist, and who can positively contribute to a dynamic and innovative working environment.
Socially adept networking skills with which to drive public funding, audience engagement and to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally.
Management of complex budgets and finances.
Strong funding application skills and experience.
Seek growth and be ambitious for both the organisation and the artists and community we serve with resilience, focus and an ability to delivery results.
A willingness to work in a generous and inclusive way, enabling anyone who wishes to engage with our organisation to access the support they need.
Highly sought qualities and experience also include:
- Management of staff and venue
- Knowledge of corporate governance
- Fundraising
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – Particulars of the Position
- This position is remunerated at €40,000 per annum
- The term is a 3 year contract with a 6 month probation period
- It is a full-time role, attending all events, exhibitions and performances, this often includes weekend and evening hours. Overtime cannot be paid, but time can be granted in lieu
- A flexible hybrid role, with some time working from home, is negotiable, however the Artistic Directors presence within the building a few days a week is integral part of the role
- Successful candidates will be required to sign The Courthouse Arts Centre Code of Conduct.
- Annual leave (ex-bank holidays) of 20 days
Application and Interview Process
Applicants should submit:
- a CV highlighting relevant experience
- an accompanying letter detailing your suitability for the role addressing the overview of the role, essential experience and why you want to work at The Courthouse Arts Centre
- three references with contact details
Applications should be sent by email to denise@courthousearts.ie
The closing date for this position is Friday, July 15th 2022 @ 1pm (13.00 hours)
Applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence
All personal data will be destroyed in accordance with GDPR guidelines
The Courthouse Arts Centre is an equal opportunities employer
Dwyer Square, Main Street, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow T: 0402 38529 Email: denise@courthousearts.ie
Board members: Katie Joyce Holmes (chairwoman), Ellen Fox Lanigan, Bill Grantham,
Eddie McGlynn, Alison McGuire, John Mullen, Anthony Murphy
Company registration no: 247125 Registered Office: Main Street, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow Charity No: 20029586