Chair

Join us in shaping the future of contemporary arts in Bristol and beyond. Apply to become the Chair of Arnolfini Arts and be part of an inspiring journey of creativity and cultural impact.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 21st November.

Time commitment: 3-4 days per month

Who we are

Arnolfini Arts is a prominent contemporary arts centre located in the heart of Bristol, UK. Founded in 1961 by Jeremy Rees, it has grown from a small gallery space into one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary art. Named after Jan van Eyck’s famous painting, “The Arnolfini Portrait,” the centre embodies a deep commitment to artistic innovation, community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Arnolfini Arts is a beacon of contemporary culture, offering a dynamic and inclusive space for artistic exploration and public engagement. Its rich history, innovative programming, and deep community ties make it a cornerstone of the arts in Bristol and beyond.

As it continues to evolve, Arnolfini’s dedication to fostering creativity and dialogue ensures it will remain at the forefront of the contemporary arts for years to come.

About the role

At the helm of the Arnolfini Arts, your role will be to steer the Board of Trustees in providing clear strategic direction and robust governance. Your leadership will ensure that the Board functions effectively and adheres to the highest standards of governance practices. A crucial part of your responsibilities will be fostering a close, collaborative relationship with the Chief Executive Officer and the team, guiding the Board through renewal and transformation as Arnolfini embarks on its next chapter.

You will be pivotal in shaping and executing Arnolfini’s strategic vision. By working closely with the Board, the executive team and key stakeholders, you will help develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan. Your efforts will propel the organisation towards its vision, ensuring that all activities align with its mission and core values.

As a key representative of Arnolfini, you will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including funders, partners, artists, community groups and government bodies. Your role as an ambassador will be critical in fostering these connections and enhancing Arnolfini’s reputation and influence within the arts community and beyond.

Your financial acumen will be essential in safeguarding Arnolfini’s economic health and sustainability. You will collaborate with the Board and the executive team to oversee budgeting, financial planning and risk management processes. Ensuring that the organisation operates on a sound financial footing will be a cornerstone of your responsibilities.

In this role, you will also support and guide Arnolfini’s fundraising efforts. This includes spearheading initiatives to identify new funding opportunities and nurturing relationships with donors, sponsors and funding bodies.

Your work will be vital in securing the resources necessary for Arnolfini’s continued growth and success. You will champion Arnolfini’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. Your leadership will promote and support programmes and initiatives that engage with a broad spectrum of audiences and address the community’s needs and interests. Your commitment to inclusivity will help ensure that Arnolfini remains a welcoming and accessible space for all.

Finally, you will continuously monitor and evaluate Arnolfini’s performance against its strategic objectives. Your focus on performance metrics and responsiveness to the evolving landscape of the arts and cultural sectors will drive ongoing improvements and ensure that Arnolfini remains dynamic and relevant.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead Arnolfini Arts, one of the UK’s leading centres for contemporary arts located in Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside. This is a crucial, voluntary, non-executive governance position requiring a consistent and meaningful time commitment over a three-year renewable term.

The role requires a commitment to the arts and culture sector in Bristol specifically. Ideally with a strong connection to the city, either past or present, and personal or professional.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate high-level experience and commitment across the following areas, ensuring the organisation maintains robust financial and operational health while expanding its influence.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 21st November.