Ikon

Ikon was founded in the 1960s and is an internationally acclaimed, independent contemporary art venue located in central Birmingham. Housed in a magnificent neo-gothic school building, it is an educational charity and works to encourage public engagement with contemporary art through exhibiting new work in a context of debate and participation. It offers free entry to all. Ikon’s activity not only reflects the historical circumstances of Birmingham and the country as a whole since then, but also it constitutes a distinct point of view on British post-war art history. The gallery programme features artists from around the world. Ikon’s off-site programme develops dynamic relationships between art, artists and audiences outside the gallery. Projects vary enormously in scale, duration and location, challenging expectations of where art can be seen and by whom. Education is at the heart of Ikon’s activities; through a variety of talks, tours, workshops and seminars, the Learning team aims to build a meaningful relationship with Ikon’s audience that enables visitors to engage with, discuss and reflect on contemporary art. Being based in Birmingham, a super-diverse and young city, Ikon’s partnership working and equality diversity and inclusion is central within all the organisation does, from the Board of Trustees to throughout the whole organisation. Ikon’s commitment to the city is to continue to show diverse exhibitions from around the world, and reflect these locally, while working with children and young people, and diverse communities who are currently underserved within the region.

Following the retirement of our director of 23 years, we are looking for a new directorship which can deliver upon Ikon’s strategic and operational vision, and to lead the organisation into the future. Ikon are looking for a new model of directorship to lead the organisation into the future. We encourage applications from co-leadership models to deliver across all strands of Ikon’s delivery framework: including business operations, curatorial/exhibitions, and learning.  The new directorship will also be responsible for furthering the gallery’s reputation as a major centre for the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art. Candidates will bring a knowledge of visual and contemporary art and a passion for working with artists. They will have a track record of working with diverse artists and audiences and a commitment to inclusion, relevance, and diversity in all aspects of the organisation. Candidates will possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to engage a range of stakeholders, funders (including Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council) and partners.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Ikon on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EYYTCA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 1st December at noon.