Artistic Director

DisabilityArtsOnline Limited; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

20 Stories High seeks an artistic director to shape the company's future, in partnership with the Executive Director and team. You will champion new voices, cultivate ambitious theatre for young people and diverse communities, and lead change with collaboration, generosity, and resilience.

You will embed yourself in Liverpool's creative life, build connections with artists and partners, and drive sustainable growth while upholding inclusion and wellbeing at the heart of all work.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading artistic projects.
• Experience building partnerships with artists and organisations.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-creation and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead artistic vision and program development for 20 Stories High.
• Develop and nurture relationships with partners, trustees and funders.
• Champion voices from young people and diverse communities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising & partnerships

Community engagement

Creative direction

Team leadership

Job description

The Opportunity

This role is about shaping the artistic future of 20 Stories High in partnership with the Executive Director, Associate Director and the team. Championing new voices, developing the next generation of artists and ensuring our work continues to challenge, celebrate and reflect the communities we work alongside.

Co-creation, inclusion and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We want a leader who shares these values while bringing fresh artistic thinking, ambitious ideas and the confidence to lead change.

Our work is rooted in relationships, so we believe our Artistic Director should live in, or within easy daily reach of the Liverpool City Region. We want someone who will immerse themselves in the creative life of the city: building connections, discovering artists and helping shape Liverpool’s cultural future.

At the heart of this role are two ambitions:

• To create bold, ambitious theatre and artistic experiences with and for young people (aged 13–30) and communities (meaning excluded community groups of any age).


• To champion culturally diverse, working class, d/Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ artists, opening doors, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of creatives and leaders.

In Your First Few Years, Success Might Look Like:

Developing a distinctive artistic vision that excites audiences, inspires artists and reflects the energy and diversity of Liverpool City Region.
Working alongside the Executive Director to lead a confident, resilient and thriving organisation.
Creating exceptional, professional theatre and creative experiences in a variety of spaces including theatres, community and outreach settings.
Building meaningful pathways for emerging artists to develop and flourish within and outside of 20 Stories High.
Growing an ambitious variety of partnerships that strengthen our impact locally, nationally and internationally, for example educational institutions, commercial companies and arts organisations.
20 Stories High continuing to be one of the UK’s leading young people’s theatre companies.

Person Specification

There is no single route to artistic leadership. We’re looking for someone with the vision, imagination and potential to lead our next chapter. If you don’t meet every point below but believe you’re the right person for the role, we encourage you to apply. We will work collaboratively with the right candidate to identify any training and development needs as part of the induction of the role. Resource will be available for training, coaching and mentoring.

We’re looking for someone who:

Is an ambitious artistic leader

• Has a distinctive artistic voice and a passion for creating bold, high-quality work.


• Believes in the power of theatre and creativity to inspire change.


• Is curious, inventive and excited by experimentation, and new ideas.


• Shares our practice and contributes to the wider cultural sector.


• Can create art and opportunities that has a global appeal while honouring local roots and communities.

Creates with and for young people and communities

• Has experience of making work with young people and/or communities.


• Values co-creation and collaborative artistic practice.


• Creates work that is inclusive, accessible and reaches diverse audiences.

Inspires and supports others

• Leads creatively with generosity, integrity and care.


• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with artists, partners and teams.


• Champions the development of emerging artists and creative talent.

Thinks strategically

• Can balance artistic ambition with organisational thinking.
  Shares our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.


• Is excited by helping shape the future of a growing organisation.
  Works with our Chair and Trustees to maximise their involvement and contribution.


• Explores and discovers new ways to develop our income and fundraising so we can deepen and build on our work.