Tue, 20 Oct 2026">published - Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Job Summary
Headway Arts is seeking an inspiring and artistically ambitious Creative Director to lead the creative vision of our award-winning arts organisation in Blyth, Northumberland.
Job Description
Headway Arts is seeking an inspiring and artistically ambitious Creative Director to lead the creative vision of our award-winning arts organisation in Blyth, Northumberland.
We make art. All kinds of art.
We believe everyone is creative and everyone should have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to and experience the arts. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we create ambitious, inclusive and accessible arts opportunities with our communities, with particular expertise in working alongside neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape our next chapter, developing bold creative programmes, supporting artists and participants to realise their potential, and building partnerships that extend the reach and impact of our work.
We're looking for an experienced creative leader with a strong artistic vision, a commitment to inclusive and participatory practice, and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into inspiring, high-quality work. You'll be collaborative, curious and hands‑on, with experience of developing creative projects, working with artists and building meaningful partnerships.
Above all, you'll share our belief that people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people have the right to be artists, audiences, collaborators and leaders within the arts.
Job Requirements
The Creative Director will be the artistic and creative lead for Headway Arts, responsible for developing and delivering the organisation's creative vision and ensuring the quality, ambition and relevance of our artistic work.
This is a senior creative role within a small organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, who retains overall responsibility for the organisation's strategic, operational and financial leadership. The role of Creative Director has a clear focus on artistic leadership, creative development, artists, participants, partnerships and the quality and impact of Headway Arts' programme.
You will bring creative ambition while understanding the realities of working within a small NPO, where collaboration, flexibility and making the most of limited resources are essential.
Job Responsibilities
Lead the artistic vision and creative direction of Headway Arts.
Develop and maintain a clear creative strategy aligned with Headway Arts' values and organisational strategy.
Ensure that the organisation's creative work is ambitious, high-quality, inclusive and relevant.
Champion the voices, ideas and creative agency of participants and artists.
Encourage experimentation, innovation and creative risk‑taking.
Act as a visible creative ambassador for the organisation.
Shape and oversee an engaging programme of creative activity across Headway Arts.
Develop new artistic projects, commissions, performances, exhibitions and collaborations.
Identify opportunities for Headway Arts to develop and present work regionally, nationally and, where appropriate, internationally.
Work with artists and participants to develop ideas from concept through to delivery.
Contribute to the evaluation of artistic outcomes.
For further information refer to the job description on the website
Deadline: 5pm 30th November 2026
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Headway Arts in Blyth employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
