Head of Engagement and Communities / Head of Music / Head of Theatre, Performing Arts and Touri

The Arts Council; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A national arts organization in the UK seeks Heads of Art Form to shape the future of the arts in Wales. Successful candidates will lead initiatives, engage with diverse communities, and foster creativity while ensuring accessibility to all. These roles require visionary leaders with a deep respect for Wales's bilingual culture. The ideal candidates will have proven experience in the arts sector, robust communication skills, and a commitment to equality. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence the next decade of arts in Wales.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading or influencing effectively.
• Track record of engaging with artists and local authorities.
• Deep respect for Wales's bilingual and multicultural identity.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategy and lead initiatives in the arts sector.
• Drive collaboration and engage communities across Wales.
• Nurture talent and ensure creativity enriches lives.

Skills

Expertise in arts sector

Strong communication skills

Experience in partnership development

Commitment to diversity and bilingualism

Job description

Head of Engagement and Communities / Head of Music / Head of Theatre, Performing Arts and Touring, Arts Council Wales

Shape the future of the arts in Wales; lead, inspire and champion creativity across communities and diverse art forms.

Location: Arts Council Wales offices in Cardiff, Colwyn Bay or Carmarthen.

Who we are

The Arts Council of Wales leads the strategic development of the arts across the nation. As an arms‑length public body funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, we set direction, allocate investment and advocate for the arts as an essential part of national life.

Our ambition is to build a sustainable, inclusive and confident creative sector that reflects the richness of modern Wales and contributes to its future prosperity.

In response to feedback from the arts community and our staff, we have recently gone through an extensive restructuring and change process to ensure our organisation can better support the sector and continue to evolve in line with the sector's changing needs.

About the roles

These are three new and pivotal senior roles requiring visionary and collaborative specialists ready to drive strategy, champion collaboration, and ensure that creativity continues to flourish in every part of Wales.

These roles arrive at a defining moment for the Arts Council of Wales. As we reshape how we work with the sector and with communities across the nation, we are looking for exceptional leaders who combine art‑form expertise, strategic vision and a collaborative spirit.

We are looking for

• An expert and advocate, committed to equality, diversity, and bilingualism, and motivated by making the arts accessible to all.
• Proven experience leading or influencing within their specialist area.
• A record of developing partnerships and delivering impact at a regional or national level.
• The confidence and communication skills to engage credibly with artists, local authorities, funders and the Welsh Government.
• A deep respect for Wales's bilingual and multicultural identity, and a willingness to embrace and use the Welsh language.

These roles are more than management posts – they are opportunities to shape how the arts in Wales evolve over the next decade. You'll help set direction, nurture talent, and ensure that creativity continues to enrich lives across the nation.

Key Principles

• Creativity: Art should connect people, challenge thinking, and bring joy and hope.
• Widening Engagement: Arts and culture should reflect the lives of all citizens of Wales, working to remove barriers to engagement.
• Welsh Language: The Welsh language should be a thriving part of creative lives, giving everyone an equal opportunity to access and create art through Welsh and bilingually.
• Climate Justice: Action should be socially, environmentally, and ethically sustainable.
• Nurturing Talent: Pathways should be ensured for people from all backgrounds to develop their creativity, skills, and leadership for a healthy future for the arts.
• Transformation: The sector should seize new opportunities, take risks, and be resilient and responsive to change while remaining relevant to Welsh communities.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners.

If you would like to know more about this role, please contact David Hingley.

Welcome Letter from Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Wales

Thank you for your interest in becoming one of our new Heads of Art Form with the Arts Council of Wales. Here at ACW, we believe that the arts are at the very heart of our national life - connecting us to one another, enriching our wellbeing and inspiring us now and for generations to come.

Across Wales, creativity helps shape our sense of identity, strengthens our communities and fuels our collective imagination.

We look forward to hearing from you. Together, we can ensure that the arts continue to flourish, reach every community and remain an essential part of who we are.