Organizer Information
The Bluecoat is a landmark contemporary arts centre based in Liverpool, UK, and widely recognised as the first institution of its kind in the country. Established as an arts centre in 1927, it operates from a Grade I listed historic building dating back to 1716–17. Over nearly a century, the Bluecoat has functioned as a pioneering site for contemporary artistic production, interdisciplinary programming, and cultural experimentation.
Its historical significance includes early UK exhibitions of major modernist artists such as Picasso and Matisse (outside London), as well as hosting influential figures like Yoko Ono. It has also served as an incubator for major cultural organisations, including Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and the early formation of FACT. Today, it continues to operate as a multi-artform cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, performances, participatory programs, creative studios, and community-driven initiatives.
The institution is entering a centenary phase (2027), positioning itself as a renewed leader in contemporary arts practice and institutional reinvention.
Title & Description
Creative Director – Centenary Artistic Leadership (Five-Year Fixed Term)
This is a senior artistic leadership opportunity responsible for shaping and delivering the Bluecoat’s centenary year in 2027 and defining its long-term artistic vision beyond 2028.
The Creative Director will join at a critical transitional moment: the centenary programme is already structurally in place, with commissioned strands, freelance leadership, and a planned relaunch of live programming. The primary responsibility is to unify these strands into a coherent, compelling artistic programme for 2027 while simultaneously establishing a forward-looking programming model for the organisation’s next century.
The role is both curatorial and strategic: it requires artistic authority, producing capability, and the ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams. The centenary theme, “A Century of Breaking New Ground,” positions the organisation as a site of reflection, innovation, and institutional renewal.
Role Overview
- Contract Type: 5-year fixed-term (renewable)
- Salary: £50,000–£55,000 per year (depending on experience)
- Line Management: Chief Executive
- Team Position: Senior Leadership Team member
- Working Model: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), including evenings and weekends
- Freelance Oversight: Responsible for commissioning and managing multiple freelance contributors during the centenary programme
- Financial Responsibility: Programme budgeting and contribution to fundraising strategy
- Location Requirement: Based in or near the North West UK (Liverpool commuting distance required)
Position & Tasks
- Lead and integrate the 2027 centenary artistic framework into a unified programme
- Design and implement a long-term artistic vision for post-centenary programming
- Commission and curate exhibitions, performances, and cross-disciplinary projects
- Manage multi-partner productions and ensure high-level delivery standards
- Build national and international partnerships
- Oversee artist development and commissioning processes
- Represent the organisation publicly as an artistic spokesperson
- Contribute to fundraising, strategic planning, and board reporting
- Support participation programmes and community engagement initiatives
- Ensure alignment between artistic, operational, and financial objectives
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Performance
- Live Art
- Interdisciplinary / Cross-disciplinary Arts
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Leadership
- Contemporary Arts Programming
- Participatory Arts
- Installation and Exhibition Practice
Eligibility
- Minimum 5 years of leadership in artistic or cultural programming
- Experience working across multiple art forms or interdisciplinary practice
- Strong professional network in the cultural sector (artists, producers, institutions)
- Experience managing complex cultural productions or programmes
- International or national-level programming experience (preferred but not exclusive)
- Open to UK-based and international candidates (relocation to UK required if appointed)
- No strict age or nationality restrictions, but must meet UK employment eligibility requirements
Program Benefits
- Senior leadership position in a nationally significant cultural institution
- Competitive salary package (£50,000–£55,000)
- Full-time permanent-equivalent fixed-term contract
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Access to professional development opportunities
- Institutional influence over a century-year cultural programme
- High-level international visibility in the UK arts sector
- Opportunity to define long-term institutional strategy and legacy
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (CVs not accepted)
- Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
- Evidence of artistic leadership experience
- Examples of commissioned or programmed work
- Written statements demonstrating vision and approach to the role
- Evidence of fundraising or budget management experience (if applicable)
How to Apply
To apply, please complete an Application Form and an Equal Opportunities Form and email them to creativedirector@thebluecoat.org.uk with the subject "Creative Director Application".
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
- First Round Interviews: 27 July 2026
- Centenary Programme Year: 2027
Location
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Additional Details
This is a transformative leadership role at a moment of institutional renewal. The Creative Director will not only shape a centenary programme but also redefine how a major UK arts centre operates in a post-centenary context.
The Bluecoat operates in a complex funding environment, combining public funding, earned income, and philanthropy. The role therefore requires strong entrepreneurial awareness alongside artistic leadership.
The organisation is explicitly committed to inclusive hiring practices and encourages applications from underrepresented communities in the arts sector. Flexible working arrangements are available where possible, including adjustments for accessibility or caring responsibilities.