Next year, a-n Director Susan Jones will be stepping aside to concentrate on her research and new projects. The search is on for her successor – an exceptional individual to lead the company with passion and empathy for artists and the visual arts, who can build on the organisation’s unique national and international role.
The ideal candidate needs to have a genuine affinity with the culture and values of the organisation and an absolute passion for artists and their contribution to society. A good knowledge of the arts ecology and a sense of future scenarios is also required.
Leading a-n involves entrepreneurial energy, attitude and tenacity. It requires the ability to develop imaginative solutions to ‘wicked problems’ through collaborations and partnerships, and by harnessing the skills of all those working within the a-n people network.
a-n Chair Jayne Knight said: “a-n is in excellent shape – this is a terrific job for someone who is passionate about artists, determined to make a difference, open minded and entrepreneurial.”
Artist Emily Speed, who joined a-n’s board in October and is also an AIR Council member, said: “a-n is an organisation that puts artists at the forefront and this is a fantastic position for an imaginative and strategic person who is able to build upon the vital work that a-n has already done to support artists.”
a-n’s mission
a-n’s mission is to stimulate and support contemporary visual arts practice and affirm the value of artists in society. The focus as a membership body is on the conversations around the critical and professional environment for the visual arts amongst artists, art students, arts organisers, producers, educators and researchers.
Within the Artists’ membership, AIR (Artists Interaction and Representation) has grown since 2006 into a formidable voice for artists, leading strategic campaigns to improve artists’ social and economic status.
a-n Director Susan Jones said: “These are indeed challenging times for the arts as we all seek to navigate through the tricky political and economic conditions. Our strength comes from knowing our constituency’s needs and aspirations whilst keeping a keen eye on the diverse and fast-moving ecology for the arts.
“I’m really looking forward to this new appointment. Come next September I’ll be able to watch how, under refreshed leadership, a-n broadens its horizons and evolves.”
Read the Job pack online. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm Monday 13 January 2014.
