Travel & Expenses, Fixed Term 2 years.
About us
Amgueddfa Cymru, the National Library of Wales and the Arts Council of Wales is working together in the creation, governance, leadership, management, and delivery of the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales.
Through this partnership the three organisations seek to deliver the commitment of the Welsh Government through its Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru for the establishment of this unique flagship project for Wales which will provide a focal point for contemporary visual artists and communities across Wales, alongside national and international audiences.
The establishment of a National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales is a priority for Welsh Government and has the potential to deliver strategic benefits that align directly with The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and a range of other interconnected policies including education, economy and health.
The Arts Council of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and The National Library of Wales have been identified as the most appropriate bodies to establish the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales given their strategic role in delivering the cultural ambitions of the Welsh Government.
Collaborative working is a crucial strength of the project, primarily between Amgueddfa Cymru (and its commitment to democratise access to the nation’s collection), the Arts Council of Wales (and its objectives to support the creative community of Wales), and The National Library of Wales (and its objectives to make our culture and heritage accessible to all to learn, research and enjoy).
Our Vision
The three partners share a vision for the delivery of a unique national project based upon a dispersed model of galleries across Wales, enhanced by the host galleries. The Gallery will operate upon principles of co-creation and co-curation with contemporary artists and the communities of Wales, drawing upon the contemporary collections of Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales and through the commissioning of artists.
A core aim of The National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales is to grow the audience for visual art. This is with an understanding that contemporary art in particular has a strong appeal to younger and more diverse audiences that are not strongly represented in gallery attendance in Wales. The potential for the project to support young and emerging artists of all ages will be a core focus and activities will be designed to ensure that inclusion and accessibility are enshrined in everything that the project does.
The National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales will deliver this vision by:
- Increasing access to contemporary art to more people across Wales
- Ensuring that access to the national contemporary art collection is free
- Making contemporary art a stronger part of the health and wellbeing of communities
- Providing learning opportunities, especially for young people
- Investing in existing infrastructure to improve capital facilities
- Additional investment in exhibitions and programmes of work
- Creating opportunities for contemporary artists living and working in Wales
- Creating new jobs within the sector
- Increased profile and status of contemporary art in Wales, with potential for local tourism and tourism from outside Wales
- Alignment with other existing digitisation projects
- A project jointly delivered by all three partner organisations working collaboratively
As internationally recognised institutions, Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library have significant “pull” for expert talent, with many of their departments attracting international scholars to take on key, specialist roles. They both have excellent UK and international networks and work in partnership with Welsh organisations to connect with potential candidates.
Significant consultation has taken place with the sector to understand demand and interest in the development of a National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales. The wide-ranging feasibility report produced by Event in 2018 showed significant support for the concept from venues, artists and other professionals working in the sector. This interest and willingness to support the project has been reinforced by the detailed development study undertaken by Rural Office of Architecture.
Role Description
Independent Members will play a pivotal role in supporting the advising the Chair of the Project Board. The roles will require highly committed, enthusiastic and motivated individuals who can support and guide the Project Board through the challenges facing the visual arts sector during tough economic times. We are looking to appoint a minimum of three individuals who recognise the significance of the opportunity to create a National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales.
The role of independent members will be to:
Provide effective support, advice and guidance in relation to the project management, delivery and governance of the new National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales.
Provide specialist skills to promote a high standard of propriety and public finance and ensure that the Project Board’s activities are conducted efficiently and effectively; in particular we are looking for key skills as follows:
Major Capital Project delivery and expertise
Experience in the contemporary arts
Widening Engagement
Fundraising and sustainable financial models of service delivery
Marketing, communications and engagement
Person Specification
Prospective candidates will be expected to possess the following qualities and you should reflect these in your personal statement which will be submitted as part of the application process:
Essential
Extensive knowledge of the arts in Wales and a keen interest in contemporary visual arts and the future development of the role of the arts throughout Wales, the UK and internationally.
An understanding of current Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and National Library of Wales priorities and initiatives and how these can best be delivered within the context of this project.
You will also be expected to possess the following skills:
Experience of working at Board level or within an equivalent, complex organisation with an understanding of governance, accountability and financial responsibility.
OR; -
Relevant lived experience that will bring to the Board fresh perspectives. We are particularly interested to appoint a diverse range of members with a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. This includes but is not limited to: people who are ethnically and culturally diverse, people experiencing socio-economic deprivation/poverty or who are from working-class backgrounds, people who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and people who identify as being from the LGBTQI+ community.
The term ‘lived experience’ is centred on platforming people with unique knowledge, insights and perspectives that are valuable for our growth and our push towards equity and social justice. Lived experience is gained through direct, first-hand involvement in particular events and situations rather than through representations constructed by other people.
The ability to build effective relationships and represent the Project Board as necessary.
The ability to implement effective financial governance and scrutiny.
The ability to think strategically, creatively and to impartially find solutions, as well as to create and develop a long-term vision working as part of the project leadership team.
Equalities
We welcome applications from people irrespective of disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs.
We are committed to working with those whose background and/or identity is under-represented in the arts. This includes, but is not limited to, those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, d/Deaf, neurodivergent, disabled people or those with long-term health difficulties and those with LGBTQIA+ identities.
Location
At present the Project Board meets once a month virtually. In the future it may be required to meet in varying locations across Wales.
Remuneration
£150 per half day
Expenses
The Independent Members are able to reclaim travel and expenses claims.
We will also provide personal access support costs, as required.
Minimum days required
0.5
Minimum days per
Month
Welsh Language
The Project Board acknowledges the importance of developing and growing bilingual capabilities in public appointments in Wales and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh.
Conflict of Interest
Please do not apply to be involved in this work if you are connected in any way, either directly or through family members, to any galleries in the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales network.
How to apply
Should you wish to find out more about the roles or have an informal discussion please contact menna.williams@arts.wales.
Application is by CV and a brief covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) addressing the requirements of the role, along with the contact details of two references and an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form. If you would like to submit your application in an alternative format, such as voice note or British Sign Language video, please contact us first.
Applications should be sent to: menna.williams@arts.wales by 12:00pm (midday) on 8 September 2023.
Applications from culturally and ethnically diverse people and underrepresented groups are encouraged and warmly welcomed. Applications are welcomed in Welsh or English and we will correspond with you in your language of choice. Applications submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than applications submitted in English. We aim to take positive steps to ensure that all candidates are selected for vacancies solely on their suitability for the role.
Interview Date
The week commencing 18 September 2023.
Who we are
Arts Council of Wales
The Arts Council of Wales is an independent charity established by Royal Charter in 1994. It is also a Welsh Government Sponsored Body and the country’s official public body for funding and developing the arts. It is the official distributor of National Lottery arts funding in Wales.
Every day, people across Wales are enjoying and taking part in the arts. The Arts Council of Wales helps to support and grow this activity through its strategic expertise, partnerships, and funding. In so doing, the Arts Council contributes to people’s quality of life and to the cultural, social and economic well-being of Wales.
The Arts Council of Wales’ current mission is “Making the arts central to the life and wellbeing of the nation” and its strategy is:
Make: nurturing talent, creativity and capability
Reach: encouraging more people to enjoy and take part in the arts
Sustain: supporting a dynamic and resilient arts sector
The Arts Council of Wales works to create an environment in which the arts are better able to flourish - an environment which:
Identifies and nurtures creative talent, to its full potential, fully embracing equality and diversity
Supports and celebrates imagination, innovation and ambition
Nurtures creativity through the medium of Welsh and English
Enables artists to develop a professional career in Wales and organisations to exploit new markets for their work
Inspires young people to develop their creative potential
Offers a range of arts experiences for audiences to enjoy and take part
Finds new places and ways for people to participate in the arts
Is international in outlook and ambitious for the international success of Wales’ artists
Recognises the fundamental importance of sustainability
Amgueddfa Cymru
As Wales's national museums body, Amgueddfa Cymru has a statutory duty on behalf of the nation, established by Act of Parliament at its foundation in 1908 and reaffirmed through its Royal Charter when renewed in 2006, to acquire and care for the national collections and to achieve ‘comprehensive representation of science, art [and] history of, or relevant to, Wales’ for ‘the advancement of the public’.
Amgueddfa Cymru’s new strategy to 2030 outlines its vision:
It states: “Everyone has a right to feel they belong, to make sense of their past, and to see a path to a better future. As we embrace the challenges of our age, we can be a place of hope for people everywhere. By sharing creativity and curiosity, on new journeys of discovery, debate and joy, we all become part of Wales’ story”.
Over the next ten years our staff and volunteers will be more present in every region of Wales, working with our community partners, local museums and galleries, universities, local authorities and third-sector organisations across our nation through: programmes with schools, communities and volunteers; exhibitions that celebrate people’s stories in Wales and internationally; online events, activities, festivals and resources; research that protects the environment, and reflects people’s creativity and life experiences; sharing collections and skills; support for the health and social care sectors.
Amgueddfa Cymru’s commitments to 2030 are: We’ll work with people and communities across Wales, through collections, public programmes and partnerships to:-
Put the Planet first
Create Digital Experiences
Learn and Create
Support Well-Being
Make sure that everyone is represented
Inspire creativity and learning for life
Build global connections
National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales’ mission is to collect, preserve and give access to all kinds and forms of recorded knowledge, especially relating to Wales and the Welsh and other Celtic peoples, for the benefit of the public, including those engaged in research and learning.
In its Strategic Plan 2021-26, The National Library of Wales sets out the priorities for development that will ensure that it continues to deliver its mission effectively over the next five years and beyond.
Its primary responsibility is towards the people of Wales today along with future generations. Its actions will reflect this alignment with the interests of Wales, along with its responsibility to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably.
Well-being: The National Library of Wales is a library for the whole of Wales, and contributes positively to global well-being. We have a key contribution to make in achieving the seven goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Social impact: We will promote an equal, fair and inclusive society, working to eradicate poverty, and provide a safe platform and space where we can have a healthy, honest and open discussion about all aspects of Welsh life.
Sustainability: We accept our responsibility to respond to the global climate crisis by mitigating the environmental impact of our operations.
Diversity: In collecting, preserving and giving access to knowledge, we are committed to working towards diversity, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people of Wales, and to ensuring that our collections and services are accessible to everyone of all backgrounds and abilities.
The Welsh language: We will promote the Welsh language and encourage its use in all our activities.