Search for diverse new leaders to help Plymouth realise its cultural potential

A new generation of leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds is being sought to head up three of Plymouth’s most prominent cultural organisations.

KARST, Barbican Theatre and Plymouth Culture are all recruiting new board members to guide their strategy and provide new perspectives on how they work with their audiences.

All three are seeking ambitious people who share the vision for Plymouth to be an international city driven by arts, culture and innovation.

The trio of organisations value people, passion, collaborations and creating opportunities to make extraordinary things happen in Plymouth.

Applications from all are welcome, but of particular interest are applications from a young voice, a community voice and an ethnically diverse voice - to broaden the diversity of those represented.

The goal of the process is to have a set of board members across three organisations driving change who truly represent Plymouth’s communities.

KARST is the largest independent contemporary arts gallery and studio complex on the South West peninsula. We create conditions in which diversity, innovation and risk can thrive.  Barbican Theatre creates stunning live entertainment not confined to the stage that builds Plymouth’s own creative voice, and gives it a platform. Plymouth Culture is the city’s sector support agency helping realise its cultural ambitions by fuelling collaboration, securing crucial funding and creating creative opportunities.

Hannah Harris, Chief Executive of Plymouth Culture, said: “Over the last ten years, Plymouth has been on a cultural journey. The city has built strategic relationships with funders that have enabled us to take risks, enhance our cultural offer and position Plymouth as a leading city for arts and culture globally. 

“We are now at a pivotal moment in our history when we can truly use culture and creativity to spark real change in our communities.

“To achieve this, we need passionate, creative and diverse leadership at the head of the organisations driving that change.

“We recognise that to realise the cultural transformation we desire, we need to do things differently. All three organisations are committed to running an open and transparent recruitment process that engages a diverse range of people and identifies individuals who bring new perspectives and diverse lived experience to our team.”

Those interested in applying can download each application pack via the links below.

Plymouth Culture: plymouthculture.co.uk/trustees

Barbican Theatre: barbicantheatre.co.uk/jobs-opportunities/#Trustees

KARST: karst.org.uk