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- Tasks: Lead County Durham’s newest cultural venue and shape its vision from day one.
- Company: Join a pioneering cultural landmark that blends art, science, and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of something groundbreaking and create a lasting cultural asset.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in cultural leadership.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Be the first to lead County Durham’s newest cultural landmark. Opening in summer 2026, The Light is a major new cultural venue bringing together art, science, history, creativity and community. We expect between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors each year and we’re looking for an exceptional leader to shape its vision from day one. Positioned at the intersection of art, heritage and science, The Light will present an ambitious programme enhancing County Durham’s growing cultural presence.
It will host a significant contemporary exhibition programme showcasing world-class creativity from the North East, the UK, and across the globe, a dedicated DLI Gallery telling the story of the ‘Durhams’, vibrant community and learning spaces, a café, retail offer, and private event and conference facilities, all set within beautiful natural grounds. A meeting place and a beacon for creativity, where communities can gather and feel something powerful, rooted in Durham, The Light will set a new standard for each and every visitor, so they return again and again.
About you
- An inspiring cultural leader with proven experience in galleries, museums or multi-use cultural venues.
- Skilled in developing ambitious artistic programmes and visitor experiences.
- Confident in building teams, partnerships and commercial opportunities.
- Passionate about widening access, community engagement and inclusive culture.
- Excited by the opportunity to innovate, experiment and grow something new.
What we offer
- A rare career-defining opportunity to lead a new venue at launch.
- A chance to shape a lasting cultural asset for County Durham.
- Supportive leadership, excellent professional networks, and the ability to influence at a strategic level.
- Competitive salary, generous local government benefits and flexible working options.
Help us create a cultural beacon for County Durham.
What will I need?
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent senior level experience in a relevant discipline. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
Interviews
It is expected that interviews will be held week commencing 23rd March 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
How to apply
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
Artistic Director and Manager in North East employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Artistic Director and Manager in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cultural sector. Attend events, exhibitions, and workshops to meet potential collaborators and mentors. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about your vision for The Light, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your ideas on community engagement and innovative programming – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue and its mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture of The Light.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you highlight how you meet the essential criteria in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their skills and passion for this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Artistic Director and Manager in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about leading The Light and shaping its vision. Share your ideas on how you can enhance County Durham’s cultural scene.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the job description. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in galleries or cultural venues, so be specific about your relevant skills and achievements.
Use the Person Specification: Don’t forget to refer to the Person Specification section when filling out your application. We need to see clear evidence of how you meet the essential criteria, so make it easy for us by addressing each point directly!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through the Northeast Jobs portal, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s super straightforward, and you’ll find all the guidance you need on our website to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Vision
Before stepping into the interview, take some time to think about your vision for The Light. What innovative ideas do you have for the cultural programme? Be ready to share how you would enhance community engagement and create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous roles in galleries, museums, or cultural venues. Prepare specific examples of how you've developed ambitious artistic programmes and visitor experiences. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and innovate in a new environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
As an Artistic Director, building partnerships is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with teams and external partners in the past. Share examples of how these collaborations led to successful projects or initiatives.
✨Engage with Inclusivity
Given the emphasis on widening access and inclusive culture, come equipped with ideas on how to make The Light a welcoming space for everyone. Discuss any past initiatives you've led that focused on community engagement and inclusivity, showing your passion for making art accessible.