Organizer Information
Art South Asia Project (ASAP) is a UK-based non-profit arts education and development organization founded in 2021. The platform focuses on strengthening the infrastructure of modern and contemporary visual and applied arts across South Asia and its global diaspora. Operating between the United Kingdom and South Asia—including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—ASAP builds transnational networks that support research, archiving, publishing, and curatorial development.
ASAP is dedicated to amplifying South Asian art histories and contemporary practices through grants, fellowships, workshops, symposia, and collaborative programs. Its mission emphasizes sustainable cultural infrastructure, cross-border dialogue, and professional development for artists, researchers, and institutions working within and beyond the region.
Title & Description
Director – Art South Asia Project (ASAP)
ASAP is seeking a visionary arts leader to take on the role of Director, responsible for shaping the organization’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability. This senior leadership position focuses on strengthening the infrastructure of South Asian contemporary art through program expansion, fundraising strategy, and international partnership development.
The Director will guide ASAP’s core activities in research, archiving, publications, and professional development while ensuring that its mission remains deeply connected to artists and institutions across South Asia and the UK. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on cultural management, requiring an individual capable of working across governance, programming, and external representation at an international level.
The Role Overview
- Position: Director
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (July 2026 – July 2027)
- Salary: £38,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
- Reports to: ASAP Trustee Board
- Responsible for: Programme Managers and interns
- Key Focus Areas: Strategy, fundraising, grants management, partnerships, programme scaling
Position & Tasks
The Director will oversee the full strategic and operational direction of ASAP, including:
Strategic Leadership
- Developing long-term organisational strategy and multi-year growth plans
- Leading fundraising initiatives and securing funding from trusts, foundations, and philanthropic partners
- Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Using data insights to evaluate and improve program impact
Partnership & Network Development
- Building and maintaining institutional partnerships across South Asia and the UK
- Representing ASAP at international conferences, forums, and cultural events
- Strengthening cross-border collaboration in research, exhibitions, and publications
- Feeding external knowledge back into internal program development
Grants Management
- Overseeing grants (up to £10,000) focused on research, archiving, and publications
- Developing systems for selection, monitoring, and evaluation of grantees
- Supporting Programme Managers in tracking outcomes and managing budgets
Programme Scaling
- Expanding ASAP’s programs in research, archiving, publishing, and professional development
- Identifying collaborators and institutional partners to extend program reach
- Supporting fundraising strategies for program sustainability and growth
Leadership & Operations
- Managing teams and fostering a collaborative organizational culture
- Ensuring governance, compliance, and risk management standards
- Acting as a public ambassador through talks, media, and institutional representation
- Supporting the visibility of artists, alumni, and projects through events and networks
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Management
- Art Management
- Research
- Writing
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Public Presentation
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants
- Experienced professionals in arts leadership, cultural strategy, or nonprofit management
- Strong expertise in South Asian contemporary art ecosystems preferred
- Proven experience in fundraising, organizational development, and program leadership
- Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and partnership-building skills
- Experience working across international cultural networks is highly desirable
Program Benefits
- Competitive annual salary of £38,000 – £45,000
- Senior leadership role within an international arts organisation
- Opportunity to shape major South Asian contemporary art initiatives
- Access to global cultural networks and institutional partnerships
- Direct involvement in funding strategy and grant distribution programs
- Potential transition to a permanent leadership position
- High-level visibility across international art and cultural platforms
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Updated CV / Resume
- Cover Letter outlining experience and motivation
- Relevant evidence of experience in arts leadership, fundraising, or cultural management
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email: info@artsouthasiaproject.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
- Contract Period: July 2026 – July 2027
- Start Date: July 2026 (expected)
Location
United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Fixed-term role with possibility of extension or permanent appointment
- Reports directly to the ASAP Trustee Board
- Requires active international engagement in conferences and cultural events
- Strong emphasis on fundraising, governance, and strategic program scaling
- Organization prioritizes collaboration, cultural equity, and sustainable development across regions