Head of Artistic Development in England

Glass Castle Foundation believes in the fundamental role of art and artists in society. We are a new philanthropic foundation committed to providing catalytic, early-stage and long-term support for the artists and audiences of the future. We aim to do this through innovative grantmaking and partnerships, residencies, presentation spaces and research. The foundation is currently developing plans for presenting work at 25 Wapping Wall and new artist residency facilities situated in the South Downs National Park.

This is an opportunity for a dynamic curator with a strong track record in artist development to play a pivotal role in realising the foundation’s mission. The ideal candidate will be experienced and well networked across a range of artforms and interdisciplinary practice and have an international perspective.

The Head of Artistic Development will be responsible for defining the artistic selection processes, shaping how Glass Castle identifies and seeks out artists who will benefit most from potential support and engagement. Glass Castle is an artist-centred organisation and the Head of Artistic Development role will be essential to realising this; by working closely with, and listening to the needs of, artists and those who work with them.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D: compiling examples of artists, projects and programmes in response to initial lines of enquiry as part of the set-up phase of the foundation.
• Ongoing consultation with artists and their collaborators in order to ensure the foundation’s work is artist-centred and responsive to artists’ needs.
• Designing Glass Castle’s artist development programmes through grant-making, commissioning and residency opportunities.
• Shaping and setting up artist development systems and processes, including for tracking conversations with artists and potential partners.
• Managing artistic associates and coordinating interaction with Artistic Advisers.
• Design and management of artist selection processes.
• Providing curatorial support and critical discourse for artists engaging with Glass Castle, including preparing artists to take up Hatch Farm residency opportunities and to support them during the residency period.
• Collaborating with identified partners to coordinate test-and-learn residency programmes as part of the foundation’s initial exploratory period.
• Coordinating the presentation of new work at 25 Wapping Wall, in collaboration with freelance producers and cultural partners.
• Uphold and model Glass Castle’s values in day-to-day work: artist-centred, collaborative, equitable, and sustainable.
• Actively contribute to a supportive, agile, and inclusive team environment.
• Demonstrate care for artists, colleagues, and the broader cultural ecosystem in all interactions and administrative work.

Required Skills & Experience

• Well respected track record as curator or artist development programme director.
• Experience of working directly with artists to support the development of their creative practice.
• Demonstrable experience of working effectively with a range of cultural partners.
• Experience of setting up and shaping new artistic development programmes, including the application / selection process.
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary artistic practices across a range of disciplines.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including freelance contractors and advisers.
• Problem solving mindset and ability to flex and adapt in response to lessons learnt and evolving priorities.
• Strong research and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to apply critical thinking when working with artists or assessing potential for collaboration and support.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to consult and communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships with artists and other cultural partners.
• Track record of inclusive practice and delivering positive impact for artists that addresses structural inequalities.

Glass Castle Foundation is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The foundation values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you're excited about the role but your experience does not fully align, we encourage you to get in touch for a conversation anyway. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, and those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions. We are happy to adapt our recruitment process to accommodate your needs.