Head of Contemporary Visual Arts
| Posting date: | 30 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £44,711.0 to £50,788.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £44,711.00-£50,788.00 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 July 2025 |
| Location: | Southend-On-Sea, Essex, Ss1 1AB |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4689990_1751299694 |
Summary
Your new company
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking to appoint a Head of Contemporary Visual Arts to strategically lead, manage and support contemporary visual arts across Focal Point Gallery and the wider City, including Southend Museums and Galleries.
The Focal Point Gallery is situated in Southend-on-Sea on the ground floor of The Forum building, a unique and exciting partnership project which opened in 2013, bringing a state-of-the-art library and learning facilities to the heart of Southend City Centre.
About Focal Point Gallery
Focal Point Gallery is South Essex's only public contemporary art gallery, open to all. Offering an exciting and ambitious programme of workshops, talks, outdoor film screenings and off-site projects, we also present four free major exhibitions a year featuring international and local artists. We believe in building a community and a safe space to enjoy art and the creative process, where everyone is valued. Our aim is to inspire curiosity by supporting artists to produce and present thought-provoking art made today that explores our locality, sense of self and the importance of communities through investigating current concerns that resonate internationally.
We strengthen our offer through partnerships and networks, working together to co-design projects and initiatives with a belief in working openly with partners. As a key focus of our output, Focal Point Gallery's learning programme aims to engage people of all ages in current debates around contemporary art and looks to extend and develop new audiences. We consider the philosophies and working methods of the artists in our exhibitions programme as the starting point for inspiration, aspiration and discussion in the community. On this basis, the gallery seeks to proactively engage with a wide range of local community groups, schools, young people and children.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Head of Contemporary Visual Arts to strategically lead, manage and support contemporary visual arts across Focal Point Gallery, the Southend Museums and Galleries and the wider City. This exciting new role will lead on a programme of high-profile contemporary visual arts exhibitions, events, public realm and off-site projects within Focal Point Gallery and the City of Southend-on-Sea.
Applicants need to be an inspirational leaders with vision, energy, experience and commitment to take a leading role in contributing to the vision of the organisation and the City. You will need to be a creative and strategic thinker, well-networked and experienced at working with artists both nationally and internationally in order to research, curate, plan and deliver a programme of high-profile exhibitions in contemporary visual arts.
Supported by a committed and highly motivated team, you will build on the success of recent years and develop a range of new and exciting projects: exhibitions, off-site, public realm and educational outreach programmes. Demonstrating strong communication skills, with the ability to engage persuasively with the team, internal and external partners and stakeholders, you will champion inclusivity and diversity, sharing the Council's core values.
Focal Point Gallery is part of Southend City Council and receives funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.
Interviews will be held on w/c 18th August 2025. The interview process will require a presentation.
All applications should include details of your relevant experience, and a statement of no more than two sides of A4 as to why you feel you are a good fit for this role.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, it is essential that you hold a degree in visual arts or media-related discipline. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent in gallery or museum studies, arts management, education or another related field is also desirable.
You will need excellent current knowledge of contemporary artistic practice and current critical debate in the contemporary visual arts, and experience of commissioning and delivering art in the public realm.Have an understanding of sector external funding systems and have a working knowledge of issues relating to community development, social inclusion and arts-led regeneration are requirements of the role.
Experience of working in a contemporary visual art, or cultural organisation, and a track record of successfully, curating planning and organising exhibitions of contemporary visual arts are essential to this role.Having an extensive professional network with artists, galleries and other private and public institutions would be desirable for this role.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
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