The Mayor of London is seeking an experienced culture sector leader for the role of Chair of the London Area Council of Arts Council England.
This is a unique opportunity to steer and support the direction of Arts Council England’s work in London and support the culture sector. The Chair will be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
London’s creative industries are key economic drivers, accounting for 1 in 6 jobs prior to the pandemic. Culture can also make major positive impacts on Londoners’ health and well-being. However, London’s arts and culture organisations are facing unprecedented challenges, from the need to recover from the impacts of the pandemic to the reality of significant cuts in funding and increasing cost pressures, to the risks of climate change. Strong leadership in the Chair role is needed to drive cooperation to address these challenges.
As Chair, you will steer the work of the London Area Council on key issues including expanding arts engagement and improving equality, diversity and inclusion in creative sector employment. You will be responsible for investment decisions during the National Portfolio Organisation selection rounds. You will work closely with Arts Council England’s London Area Director to deliver Arts Council England’s strategic objectives in London. Additionally, you will sit on the National Council of Arts Council England as representative of the London Area and provide leadership on Arts Council England’s national work.
We are seeking an experienced sector leader with a deep knowledge of culture and creative industries and a commitment to championing diversity and access in the arts. The successful candidate will have the ability to navigate complex political environments and work effectively under pressure. Strong experience chairing a diverse group of people and successfully leading them to work towards strategic goals is key.
Please download an Applicant Pack for full details of the role and recruitment process.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 sides) via our online recruitment system. You will also be asked to provide confidential recruitment monitoring information, which will be considered separately from the content of your application.
The CV should include details of employment, public appointments, and the name and contact details of two referees willing to provide a reference. Please also include any relevant information regarding your eligibility for appointment and any directorships you hold.
Your covering letter should address the points listed in the Person Specification. These are the criteria which all applicants will be shortlisted against.
If you would like to discuss the position informally, please contact Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries at [email protected] or Shonagh Manson, Assistant Director for Culture and Creative Industries at [email protected] prior to the closing date.
We aim to ensure that all interested candidates can complete the application. If you require this application pack in an alternative format, or if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format, please email [email protected].
To apply, please visit: https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/jobs-and-working-city-hall/current-vacancies/ace2022-chair-london-area-council-arts-council-england
Interview date: To be confirmed
Application closing date: Wednesday 08 June 2022 at 23:59 GMT
