he Board of Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore, Co Offaly, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience to lead and manage a signature Arts Centre and cultural programme.

Esker Arts Centre represents the significant local ambition for a vibrant Arts Centre and is the culmination of many years of work by Offaly County Council, Tullamore Community Arts Centre CLG and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Situated in the heart of Tullamore, Esker Arts is due to open in the latter part of 2022. It includes a 228-seat performing arts space, an open-air amphitheatre, gallery spaces, workshops as well as a coffee shop and theatre bar.

The Artistic Director, who will report to the Board of the Centre, will be responsible for the strategic development, the artistic programming and the financial and operational management of the centre. He/she will lead a team to include a Technical and Facilities Manager, a Marketing and Front of House Manager and a part-time administrator.  The development of joint programmes or partnerships with other cultural or artistic enterprises in the region may also constitute part of the brief.

Candidates will be expected to have at least five years’ experience in the artistic/cultural sphere that can demonstrate:

• Artistic appreciation and ambition in multiple spheres.
• Public and audience engagement and development.
• Management, leadership and motivation of people.
• Management of complex budgets and finances.
• Strong communication qualities and an ability to work with media, including social media.
• A capacity for team work.
• Resilience, energy, focus and delivery of results.

€50,000 – €60,000 (depending on experience)

Candidates will also be required to demonstrate an understanding of the culture, landscape, social and community structures of regional Ireland. They will be expected to have an understanding of the cultural and heritage resources and the potential of the Midlands region. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a passion for and a commitment to people, places, landscape and the arts in all their forms.

This is an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate to make a unique and lasting contribution to the artistic and cultural fabric of the County. The ambitions of the Board and of the various funding bodies behind this project are very high. They are determined that Esker Arts will operate at levels of excellence that will see it ranked among the Country’s foremost artistic and cultural centres.

It is envisaged that this role will be the subject of a 3-year contract with break clauses which will include a twelve- month probation period. Further details will be provided for candidates who may be called for interview.

In submitting applications, candidates should supply a full curriculum vitae and a personal statement (maximum 800 words) setting out why they consider themselves suitable for the role and what they would wish to achieve if offered it.

A short-listing process will be conducted by an Interview Board acting on behalf of Esker Arts CLG. Candidates who may be called for interview will be required to nominate at least two suitable referees.

Submissions should be returned to [email protected].

before 4 pm on Monday, 11th April 2022.