INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Founded in 1961, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary arts,
based at the heart of Bristol’s Harbourside district. Its mission is to foster artistic
experiment and engagement across the contemporary arts. Through a visual artsled, multidisciplinary programme of exhibitions, performance, dance, music, film,
poetry and literature, accompanied by a broad range of talks, learning and
participation activities, Arnolfini provides Bristol and the West of England with a
centre for the contemporary arts of international significance. It is a registered charity,
and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, in receipt of regular
funding from Bristol City Council, which welcomes in the region of 450,000 visitors to
its building each year.
Arnolfini’s Mission:
- to foster artistic experiment and engagement across the contemporary arts
Through a year-round programme of exhibitions, live art, dance, music, film, poetry &
literature, on-line and off-site projects, accompanied by a public programme of talks,
seminars, workshops and participation activities, Arnolfini provides Bristol and the
West of England with a centre for the contemporary arts of international significance.
Arnolfini is A Space for Ideas:
- A space for experimentation, supporting emerging artists, alongside internationally
renowned figures, in developing new and innovative art.
- A champion of collaboration across the art forms, and beyond, promoting
interdisciplinary projects, partnership working, dialogue and debate.
- Engagement and participation are at the core of what we do, embracing everything
from how we market ourselves to our learning programmes, in order to involve the
widest possible range of audiences.
- Arnolfini is rooted in its local cultural surroundings, as we believe that contemporary
art must be relevant in a broad social context if it is to be a force for change.
- Internationalism is integral to our outlook, developing partnerships beyond the UK
and recognising the increasingly globalised context for making art.
Our Audiences:
Arnolfini aims to create the conditions for active engagement and participation in
contemporary art for the widest possible range of people. Diversity is a core principle.
We aim to provide different ‘ways in’ to engaging with the programme, to develop
specific communities of interest and to be open to change through two-way dialogue.
Arnolfini receives in the region of 450,000 visitors per year.
THE COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT
Arnolfini is a charitable company, Arnolfini Gallery Ltd, with memorandum and
articles of association.
Arnolfini’s Board of Trustees (known as the Council of Management) are responsible
for the general control and management of the charity, and for agreeing the strategic
aims, objectives and direction of the organisation.
Trustees are ultimately responsible for overall control of the charity’s financial affairs
and therefore must ensure the manner in which systems are administered is tightly
controlled and scrutinised.
The organisation holds a current insurance policy for Trustees Indemnity.
Trustees details are registered with both the Charity Commission and Companies
House.
The board must have a minimum of 5 members up to a maximum of 20 at any time.
The Council of Management meets 4/5 times a year.
From time to time sub groups may be set up to undertake particular projects.
(E.g. the Finance Sub Group, and Strategy Working Group).
Currently there are 12 Trustees.
TERMS
The role of a Trustee is a voluntary position. While we cannot pay fees, incidental
expenses, including travel and childcare costs will be re-imbursed.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To work closely with the Director and the Council of Management to define the
strategic direction of the Charity, and uphold the vision, values and aims of Arnolfini
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To efficiently and effectively oversee Council of Management business at its
meetings
To champion risk management for the Charity
To ensure a constructive working relationship with the Director in the
implementation of Council of Management decisions
To ensure that there are good lines of communication between the Council of
Management and staff, and to ensure that good practice is maintained in the
management of staff
THE CHAIR
The Chair is responsible for effectively and accurately representing the views of the
Council of Management in:
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developing the Charity's strategic development, policies and plans, working
closely with the Director;
developing the Charity's key relationships with ACE, funding bodies and other
major stakeholders;
ensuring the Charity:
o effectively fulfils its aims and objectives, general functions and duties;
o realises the Council of Management's strategies and plans for the
future; and
o delivers its programme in line with agreed targets and performance
indicators;
jointly with the Director, communicating the Charity's plans and achievements
to stakeholders, staff and the public;
ensuring that Trustees operate in accordance with governance best practice;
overseeing the appointment of Trustees and ensuring their effective induction
and support;
ensuring compliance and maximising Council of Management effectiveness,
individually and collectively;
with Trustees, establishing, monitoring and reviewing governance structures,
systems and processes; and
directing, supporting and managing the Director including agreeing objectives
and undertaking an annual appraisal, following consultation with other
Trustees.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
 Excellent leadership and advocacy skills.
 A high level of commitment to the mission of Arnolfini.
 Experience of being a Trustee for a registered Charity.
 Understanding of contemporary arts, and the public-funded arts sector.
 Business management experience, preferably in a creative/arts and/or charity
environment.
 Experience of managing relationships with organisations such as Arts Council
England, local authorities, Charity Commission etc.
 An understanding of the issues affecting the arts charity sector.
 Good general management experience, team working and interpersonal skills
including knowledge of Human Resources, personnel systems and best practice.
 Financial management experience including strategic financial planning, charity
accounting, budgetary procedures and the audit process.
 Experience of supervising the management of operations.
 A record of achieving commercial success.
 Proven senior business planning experience.
 Experience in leading an organisation at a time of significant change.
Desirable
 Experience of acting as Chair for a registered charity.
 Experience of being on the Board of a gallery, museum or comparable visitor
attraction.
 Experience of overseeing a capital project.
APPLICATIONS
Applications and expressions of interest should be made to the Recruitment Manager
in the form of a covering letter and Curriculum Vitae by 12noon, Wednesday 24
April 2013.
Your application can be made by post to Recruitment Manager, Arnolfini, 16 Narrow
Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA or by email to recruitment@arnolfini.org.uk
For further general information on the role of charity trustees visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk