Jobs

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Ikon is seeking a committed and ambitions individual to join as the Chair of the Board, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to deliver and advance Ikon’s programme and develop and support Ikon’s future prospects.

Now in our 61st year, the successful appointee to Chair of the Board will join Ikon at an exciting stage for the organisation while we work to deliver an incredible programme of art, educational activities and events from 2025-27 and beyond.  In providing strategic direction, the Chair will oversee board subcommittees with focus on a dynamic business model, artistic excellence, EDI objectives and an environmental agenda, aligning with the vision and values of Ikon’s core funder, Arts Council England.  Through this period, Ikon will continue to work with regional, national and international artists and develop further collaborative work with existing and new partnerships, while supporting the development and growth ambition of the organisation.

Ikon is an internationally acclaimed art gallery in central Birmingham, UK, offering free entry to all.  Founded in 1964 as an artist-led alternative space, it has evolved into one of the most internationalist programmes in Europe, combining established with emerging artists.  Housed in a renovated neo-gothic school building, Ikon is an educational charity for the promotion of visual art of international significance, playing a key role in the cultural life of the West Midlands region.

Commitment:
The post of Chair of the Board is a part-time, unpaid, non-executive appointment.

The time requirement for the Chair of the Board is approximately 1 day per month, to be used across the month and they will be required to chair four Board Meetings per year (in addition to any Board Away Days and Subcommittee meetings).

The Chair and the Board of Trustees are invited to attend a number of events, exhibition launches and a variety of public programme events throughout the year.

The initial term of appointment will be a three-year term, with the opportunity for two additional terms.

How to apply:
If you would like to apply to the role of Chair of the Board, please email office@ikon-gallery.org with the following:

• CV
• Short letter of interest
• Completed Equal Opportunities survey (online form)

All applications need to be received by the end of the day on Monday 31 March 2025.

Process:
Shortlisted candidates will be sent a pack of information and invited to attend Ikon during week commencing 7 April 2025 for an interview with Trustees, observed by a representative of Arts Council England.  There will also be an opportunity to meet the CEO and Artistic Directors in a more informal setting.  Following this, the full Board of Trustees will ratify the proposed new Chair soon after the selection, and it is hoped that the new Chair will be able to start in role from the May Board meeting.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity prior to application, please initially email Ian Hyde, CEO i.hyde@ikon-gallery.org with the subject line ‘Chair enquiries’.

Ikon is an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In its management structure and as an employer, Ikon is pledged to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, gender, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.