Have you got what it takes to be a Backlit Trustee?

Backlit are seeking to recruit:

A minimum of three Trustees

And individuals with strong experience in:

Capital/ refurbishment
property and operations
employment and HR
arts journalism
fundraising
Marketing and Communications
An interest and/or connections with the local community of St Ann’s and Sneinton

“They are looking for Trustees who will help them raise awareness of their work in the region and nationally, develop long term partnerships and a strong regional network, continue to build a sustainable and financially stable future and champion the work of the organisation.”

Charitable Objective

To advance education in the fields of visual, creative and applied arts by the Establishment and maintenane of an art gallery and in particular the provision of; Studios and galleries.

Where art may be practiced, created or exhibited and public exhibitions of art for the benefit of the public.

Why Does BACKLIT exist and what does it do:

To provide a professional platform for new and emerging artists, offering associate membership and affordable studio and exhibition space (50 in total) with the offer of supporting creative skills development.
To offer a broad range of art forms and workshops (extending to performing arts, new media, screenings) as well as a curatorial experimentation space for under/post graduates and local practitioners.
To expand current audiences and access to local talent, through delivery of a professional arts and learning programme of collaborations between local, national and international artists.
Inviting artists to explore, collaborate and respond to the local heritage of NG3 and beyond via research, exhibitions and events.
To be an arts, community and local resource for artists, audiences and hard to reach groups.
To work closely with the local residents and community groups of Nottingham City, and the Eastside areas of St Ann's and Sneinton (Creative Quarter).
To work in partnership with the universities and cultural partners to embed public workshops, critical debate and networking, creating a legacy to programme events. This provides a wider opportunity for public debate, broadens our audiences / participants and encourages graduates to become resident studio members at BACKLIT.
To manage a volunteer and internship programme providing vocational experience and first-hand experience in the arts field. We aim to attract a wide range of people from different backgrounds and different ages, the majority of which would not otherwise get the opportunity.
Regional recent graduates and emerging artists make up the majority of BACKLIT’s audiences and participants, BACKLIT being a venue that offers continued learning and new experiences.
To provide creative activities for younger people to engage with the arts.

Who it exists to benefit:

To work closely with the local residents and community groups of Nottingham City, and the Eastside areas of St Ann's and Sneinton (Creative Quarter).
To work in partnership with the universities and cultural partners to embed public workshops, critical debate and networking, creating a legacy to programme events. This provides a wider opportunity for public debate, broadens our audiences / participants and encourages graduates to become resident studio members at BACKLIT.
To manage a volunteer and internship programme providing vocational experience and first-hand experience in the arts field. We aim to attract a wide range of people from different backgrounds and different ages, the majority of which would not otherwise get the opportunity.
Regional recent graduates and emerging artists make up the majority of BACKLIT’s audiences and participants, BACKLIT being a venue that offers continued learning and new experiences.
To provide creative activities for younger people to engage with the arts.

“BACKLIT is committed to ensuring an equitable working environment. They are actively seek a broad membership to reflect a multitude of experiences and backgrounds. They particularly encourage applications from women, BAME, LGBTQ+ and people with a disability.”

Trustee Profile

The Board is seeking a minimum of three Trustees who can demonstrate the following:

Purpose of the Job

Provide strategic support to Directors to enable them to effectively lead the organisation
Act as an advocate for BACKLIT in your relevant networks and encourage others as appropriate to get involved and support our work. Assist with the building of relationships with core funders, new and existing partners, patrons and audiences
Champion best practice throughout the charity
Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organisation’s annual & quarterly financial statements, charitable aims and strategic business planning
Take responsibility for the principles of good governance
Uphold and regularly review policy
Encourage investment and growth
Drive innovation and change

Experience

Experience in any of the following; capital/ refurbishment, property and operations, employment and HR, arts journalism, arts marketing, governance of a charity, fundraising finance and/ or who have connections to communities in St Ann’s and Sneinton

Person Specification

Essential

Strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities
Tact and diplomacy with the ability to listen and engage effectively
Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Commitment to equality and diversity in action
Attend quarterly evening board meetings (usually evening after 6pm for 2 hours) and one annual board away day in the East Midlands (TBC). Support and be informed about the organisation’s mission, services, policies and programmes;
Attend up to 2 BACKLIT public events per year

Time commitment

Desirable

Previous experience of working with a Board
Interest about contemporary arts and culture

BACKLIT is committed to ensuring an equitable working environment. They are actively seek a broad membership to reflect a multitude of experiences and backgrounds. They particularly encourage applications from women, BAME, LGBTQ+ and people with a disability.

What are the benefits to you?

The position of a Trustee can be very valuable and rewarding through enabling positive change:

Both personal and professional development through helping to broaden the Trustees interests and develop skills
Utilising your expertise and experience to influence and improve the sector that your interested in
Being part of decision-making that will impact the community positively
Meeting new people and making new social networks
Being valued by service users, staff, volunteers and other Trustees
Gaining an insight to the inner working of a small charity and get to work with other people that are similarly passionate about the cause.

Backlit are proud to support career development for creatives and contribute to the development and growth of the arts and cultural economic arts sector in Nottingham.

For further information about existing Board members, please visit here

How to apply

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Deputy Director, Suzanne Golden (suzanne.golden@backlit.org.uk) to arrange a time for a conversation.

If you would like to be considered as a trustee, please send a two-page CV and a covering letter no more than two-pages long outlining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to BACKLIT.

Please also complete the Equal Opportunities form.

The form will be separated from your application as soon as Backlit receive it and will not be passed on to anyone involved in shortlisting.

All applications should be emailed to suzanne.golden@backlit.org.uk by Monday 15^th April 2019. Interviews will take place.

“Backlit are proud to support career development for creatives and contribute to the development and growth of the arts and cultural economic arts sector in Nottingham.”