Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with funded organizations and support cultural development in the visual arts sector.
- Company: Arts Council England promotes inclusive access to arts and culture across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on empowering diverse artistic opportunities for all.
- Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of the visual arts sector and strong collaboration skills required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to foster diversity.
The predicted salary is between 22192 - 22192 £ per year.
Relationship Manager, Visual Arts
Contract: Permanent, working 17.5 hours per week ( Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)
Salary: £36,987 per annum pro rata plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester (The role will be based at the office base listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)
We are on a mission to make sure that the arts and cultural activities we fund are inclusive and that everyone in England has the chance to lead creative and cultural lives no matter what their background. Music, theatre, galleries, dance, literature, museums, libraries – it’s about access to all of these and more. Can you help us?
As a Relationship Manager, Visual Arts, you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and experience of the Visual Arts sector.
You’ll have a focus on building, empowering and enduring relationships with a portfolio of funded organisations and helping to develop the sector in the north to maintain its vibrant, innovative and diverse range of opportunities.
You will also have a good understanding of the cultural sector in England and of the current challenges and opportunities facing it, and excellent skills in collaboration, influencing and advocacy, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You’ll be comfortable working with data and taking an evidence-based approach to developing new initiatives.
Here are some of the things you could expect to do in this role:
Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and giving funding advice to individuals and organisations, about Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and other funds. Support our decision-making processes, writing assessments and sit on funding panels. Assessing financial information, identifying risk, and providing feedback on artistic plans. Take a place-based, creativity-led approach to cultural development by working with local stakeholders in targeted places. Helping to improve the diversity of the projects we fund by giving feedback to applicants and looking to support a wide range of first-time applicants.
If this Relationship Manager job in Manchester sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Arts Council England today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement : Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here
Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan – a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding – either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application guidance and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
To view the job description please click here
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here
Job ref: NM12-1
Closing date: Midnight 5 January 2025
1st Interviews: 21 January 2025 (virtual)
2nd Interviews: 29 January 2025 (in person)
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact
Relationship Manager, Visual Arts employer: Arts Council England
Contact Detail:
Arts Council England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Visual Arts
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in the Visual Arts sector. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts community, especially those involved with funded organizations. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Highlighting your collaboration and advocacy skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in cultural development and funding opportunities. Being well-informed will allow you to contribute innovative ideas during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Visual Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Relationship Manager, Visual Arts position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that align with your experience.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to reflect your knowledge of the Visual Arts sector and your experience in building relationships. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to empower and support funded organizations.
Focus on Inclusivity: Emphasize your commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the arts. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the Arts Council's mission.
Follow Application Guidelines: Remember that CVs and cover letters are not accepted. Ensure you follow the application process as outlined by the Arts Council, providing all necessary information in the required format.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Show Your Knowledge of the Visual Arts Sector
Make sure to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and experience of the Visual Arts sector during the interview. Be prepared to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the cultural sector in England, as well as how you can contribute to its development.
✨Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role focuses on building and empowering relationships with funded organisations, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in the past. Discuss your approach to collaboration and advocacy, and how you can apply these skills to support the arts community.
✨Prepare for Evidence-Based Discussions
The interview may involve discussions about data and evidence-based approaches. Be ready to talk about how you've used data to inform decisions or develop initiatives in previous roles, and how you plan to apply this in the context of funding and supporting the arts.
✨Emphasize Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Arts Council values diversity and inclusion, so it's important to express your commitment to these principles. Share any relevant experiences where you've worked to improve diversity in projects or supported underrepresented groups in the arts, and how you would continue to do so in this role.
