Candidate Briefing Pack for: Head of Exhibitions November 2016 Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts
Contents Page Advertisement 2-3 Background 4-5 Dundee Contemporary Arts Organisational Structure 6 Job Description & Person Specification 7-11 Conditions and Remuneration 12 How to Apply 13 Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 1
Advertisement DCA is a highly successful, internationally renowned centre for contemporary art that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create through our four programme areas: Exhibitions, Cinema, Print and Learning. We are currently recruiting for: Post Title: Hours: Salary: Pension: Head of Exhibitions 37.5 hours per week 29,000-32,000 (depending on experience) Generous pension scheme available Role details DCA s Head of Exhibitions is responsible for the development, curation and delivery of a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, commissions, projects and publications delivered as part of DCA s programme. Working closely with the Director to fulfil DCA s vision and to shape a wide-ranging and dynamic programme of Scottish and international contemporary art, the Head of Exhibitions manages programme activity both within the gallery spaces and beyond the building, through commissioning, touring, publicly sited work and partnership projects. The Head of Exhibitions is a member of DCA s Senior Management Team, with the Heads of Cinema, Print Studio, Learning, and Communications and the Depute Director, who oversees operations. Strong working and strategic relationships with all SMT members is key. The Head of Exhibitions manages the Exhibitions team, which currently includes the Exhibitions Manager and Exhibitions Assistant. The post holder is also responsible for working closely with the Visitor Service Managers and the Head of Learning to support the briefing and professional development of gallery Visitor Assistants. A creative and focused individual, you will work in partnership with a wide range of external partners to deliver an ambitious and sustainable programme that is a model of excellence Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 2
For further details and an application pack, visit our website www.dca.org.uk or contact our HR Administrator on 01382 909 224. Please send your completed application for the position to dca.recruitment@dca.org.uk Please note we do not accept CV applications. Deadline for completed applications is Friday 16 December 2016. Please note that we anticipate that interviews will take place week commencing 9 January 2017. Dundee Contemporary Arts 152 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DY www.dca.org.uk DCA is supported by Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland DCA is committed to Equal Opportunities. Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 3
Background Having opened our doors in 1999, DCA is a highly successful, internationally renowned centre for contemporary art that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create through our four programme areas: Exhibitions, Cinema, Print and Learning. DCA is an exemplar of bold civic cultural ambition, leading in the breadth and depth of our programme and activity. We firmly believe that art and culture change people s lives for the better and we know that cultural venues, at their best, can act as vital social hubs. DCA provides all of this and more, with over 380,000 visits last year. DCA features: Contemporary art exhibitions in our large scale galleries, that showcase the best of Scottish and international contemporary art, as well as projects, events, commissions and publications. A varied and popular cinema programme, that shows the very best in new cinematic releases and a unique programme of alternative and world cinema, alongside film seasons, festivals, special events and workshops. An open-access print studio where artists of all abilities can create new work using both traditional equipment and state-of-the-art digital technology, as well as supporting research, development and residencies. A wide range of learning experiences across DCA for all ages, including exhibition engagement with tours and our activity and interpretation spaces, public courses and workshops, work with schools, teachers, FE and HE, and targeted and tailored community projects An editions programme which offers outstanding expertise and technology to artists, helping them develop and extend their practice, with subsequent sales to public and private collections across the world helping to fund DCA s work. The DCA Shop which features a selection of design, jewellery and craft, sourced locally and from across the UK, bringing together work by talented emerging independent makers alongside contemporary homeware design brands, books, magazines, stationery and gifts. Jute Cafe bar, which provides a vibrant social hub for Dundonians and visitors alike. DCA is a registered Scottish charity and our core regular funding is provided by Creative Scotland and Dundee City Council, with additional moneys generated through earned income, donations and fund raising. Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 4
DCA Vision DCA s vision is to enrich people s lives through art, culture and creativity DCA Mission DCA is an internationally renowned centre for contemporary arts that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create through our four programme areas: exhibitions, cinema, print and learning. DCA Core Values Bold: Open: Meaningful: Magical: unafraid to take risk, proud of who and what we are welcoming, accessible, connected, civic high quality, purposeful, stimulating belief in creating moments of joy, inspiration and transformation Key Aims 1. To offer opportunities to see, experience and create contemporary art. 2. To support artists to create and disseminate their work. 3. To continue to play a key role in Dundee and Scotland s cultural and creative development. 4. To connect with audiences on local, national and international levels. 5. To ensure a secure future through a healthy and progressive environment and responsible planning and practices. Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 5
Dundee Contemporary Arts Organisational Structure Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 6
Job Description & Person Specification Job Profile: Head of Exhibitions Job Purpose: DCA s Head of Exhibitions is responsible for the development, curation and delivery of a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, commissions, projects and publications delivered as part of DCA s programme. Working closely with the Director to fulfil DCA s vision and shape a wide-ranging and dynamic programme of Scottish and international contemporary art, the Head of Exhibitions manages programme activity both within the gallery spaces and beyond the building, through commissioning, touring, publicly sited work and partnership projects. The Head of Exhibitions is a member of DCA s Senior Management Team, with the Heads of Cinema, Print Studio, Learning, and Communications and the Depute Director, who oversees operations. Strong working and strategic relationships with all SMT members is key. The Head of Exhibitions manages the Exhibitions team, which currently includes the Exhibitions Manager and Exhibitions Assistant. The post holder is also responsible for working closely with the Visitor Service Managers and the Head of Learning to support the briefing and professional development of gallery Visitor Assistants. A creative and focused individual, you will work in partnership with a wide range of external partners to deliver an ambitious and sustainable programme that is a model of excellence regionally, nationally and internationally and which supports DCA s mission, vision, aims and values. Key Outputs & Accountabilities Support and work with the Director to set the strategy for the programme, in line with the DCA vision, mission, aims and Business Plan Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 7
Work with artists, partners and colleagues to research, develop and deliver an innovative programme of exhibitions, artist commissions, publications and projects Ensure the programme embraces all aspects of visual arts practice, in keeping with DCA s programme ethos, on time, on budget and to the highest standard Co-ordinate and manage all aspects of the exhibition programme, working closely with the relevant teams and ensuring effective communication throughout the organization Demonstrate leadership at a strategic level, providing clear direction, being a role model for professional excellence and motivating others Play a key part in DCA s Senior Management Team, contributing to the overall direction of the organisation and actively participating in new developments including capital planning, communications, partnerships and fundraising Manage the Exhibitions team by establishing and maintaining clear work programmes and reporting mechanisms and to ensure all DCA personnel management processes are effectively delivered, including annual reviews, training and development Collaborate with all teams within the organisation to ensure the quality of audiences experiences Work with the Visitor Service Managers and the Head of Learning to ensure all Visitor Assistants in the galleries are briefed and supported Work with the Head of Communications and other teams to support audience development and evaluation Work with the Heads of Learning and Communications to ensure that all aspects of exhibition interpretation and communication meet our ambitions and the widest possible range of audiences can understand, enjoy and value contemporary art Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 8
Identify, secure and promote opportunities for DCA exhibition artists to create new print commissions in collaboration with the Head of Print Studio Work with the Editions and Publications Manager to ensure sales targets for publications are attained Work with the Depute Director and Operations team on building, health and safety, invigilation and visitor experience logistics Maintain a public profile and develop and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders on a regional, national and international level, and to contribute to Dundee as a vibrant cultural centre Represent the organisation on a range of occasions and to provide the highest level of personal service to both internal and external people, actively promoting equality of opportunity Research and develop funding and income generation opportunities with the Director and members of the Senior Management Team Prepare, manage and monitor budgets in agreement with the Director and Finance Manager, meeting financial targets where necessary Be a highly proactive team worker who demonstrates the importance of effective and consistent communication in a dynamic organisation Reports to: Direct Reports: Pay Band: Director Exhibitions Manager, Exhibitions Assistant 6 Person Specification: Essential Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 9
In-depth knowledge and understanding of Scottish, British and international modern and contemporary art and visual culture At least 5 years proven experience of curating and programming contemporary arts activity and exhibitions that achieve impact A creative, versatile and dynamic mind set Self-motivated and collaborative, with the proven ability to work independently and as part of a team Proven ability to lead, manage, inspire and motivate a team Experience of line managing staff Excellent research, writing and oral communication skills Proven ability in exhibition and gallery management Knowledge and interest in the broader arts landscape, particularly cinema, print and creative learning Knowledge of UK and international funding structures and policy Commitment to and interest in civic responsibility and the positive role the arts can play in people s lives Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and organisational skills Strong budget management skills Rigorous attention to detail Ability to work flexibly and under pressure to shifting deadlines Desirable Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 10
Experience of contributing to and working on the publication of catalogues and artists books Experience of fundraising Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 11
Conditions and Remuneration Salary Pension 29,000-32,000 (depending on experience) The post holder will automatically become a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme which currently attracts a 17% employer s contribution. The Tayside Pension Fund is administered by Dundee City Council and its benefits include a secure pension based on your Career Average Revalued Earnings (1/49th for each year of pensionable service) together with annual increases thereafter, an increased tax-free lump sum option on retiral, generous cover for in-service ill-health and death benefits. Further details available from http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/pensions Notice Holiday Location Relocation A notice period of 3 months is required on either side 32 days (inclusive of public holidays) with incremental increases up to 37 days after 5 completed years of service DCA, Dundee. A willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential Relocation assistance may apply Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 12
How to Apply To discuss this role and for further information, please contact: Sandra O Shea, Depute Director: t: +44 (0)1382 909223 e: dca.recruitment@dca.org.uk We would prefer to receive applications electronically. Please e-mail applications to:dca.recruitment@dca.org.uk. Alternatively, applications can be posted to Sandra O Shea, Depute Director, Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152-156 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DY, to arrive by Friday 16 December 2016, the closing date for applications. All applications will be acknowledged on receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days, please telephone Sandra O Shea. The deadline for applications is Friday 16 December 2016. Candidate Briefing Pack for Head of Exhibitions, Dundee Contemporary Arts 13