Curious Arts

Arts Council England; North East (Erie County); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Curious Arts, a UK arts charity, seeks a visionary Creative Director & Chief Executive. Based across Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Hartlepool with hybrid options, the role oversees strategic, creative and cultural direction and national travel for research and events.

We value LGBTQIA+ arts and culture, inclusivity and leadership that advances diverse communities in the North East and beyond.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors.
• Skilled in strategic and business planning at a senior level.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
• Experience securing new income streams for growth.
• Able to inspire, develop and motivate teams.
• Collaborates effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Strong budgeting and fundraising strategy knowledge.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications and engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board to set and implement strategic vision.
• Lead the SLT to drive inclusive, innovative programmes.
• Align objectives with diverse community cultural aspirations.
• Monitor external risks and plan mitigations.
• Monitor and evaluate impact against business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Board collaboration

HR management

Communication

Tools

Budget software

Job description

Mon, 12 Oct 2026">published - Mon, 12 Oct 2026

Job Summary

lead Curious Arts in driving LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural initiatives, overseeing strategic direction, programme development, and creating inclusive, impactful engagement across underrepresented communities.

Job Description

We're seeking a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader to guide and champion Curious Arts as our Creative Director & Chief Executive. The Creative Director & Chief Executive occupies the most senior position at Curious Arts, overseeing and managing the strategic, creative and cultural direction of the organisation and its initiatives. The role will be based across offices in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Hartlepool, with hybrid opportunities and a requirement to travel nationally on occasion for research and events.

After 10 years of groundbreaking and innovative LGBTQIA+ arts, youth and heritage programming, we're looking for a new Creative Director & Chief Executive to join our hardworking, dedicated team and build upon the strong foundations we've created over the last decade.

In an ever-changing and challenging cultural, financial and political landscape, we want a forward-thinking leader and advocate to usher the organisation into a new era. The Creative Director & Chief Executive will have a passion for LGBTQIA+ arts & culture and will have a proven track record in the leadership of a charity and project management.

Furthermore, they will have a solid commitment to the promotion and representation of diverse and underrepresented communities in the arts, be dedicated to supporting culture in the North East of England, and will be guided in their leadership by our values of creativity, inclusivity and visibility.

Job Requirements

Skills & Experience:
Proven experience in a leadership role within the arts, cultural, or nonprofit sector.
Experience of strategic and business planning and implementation at a senior level.
Exceptional organisational and project management skills.
Experience of identifying and securing new income streams to enable strategic growth.
Ability and experience of inspiring, developing, supporting, managing and motivating people.
Experience of competently working with a Board of Trustees.
Excellent communication, networking and stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of effective partnership working and development.
High level proficiency in budget management and fundraising strategies.
Understanding of marketing, communications and engagement strategies and delivery.
Knowledge of HR management.

Job Responsibilities

Collaborate with, and be accountable to, the Board of Trustees to ensure effective management of the charity, and to set and implement the strategic vision and long-term goals of Curious Arts.
Lead the organisation and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to foster an inclusive, innovative, and impactful approach to Curious Arts work, projects and programmes.
Ensure alignment of Curious Arts' objectives with the cultural aspirations of diverse communities, connecting programmes to wider cultural sector initiatives.
Maintain awareness of risks and changes in the external environment that affect the organisation and plan and implement changes to mitigate the risks.
Ensure that all systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of Curious Arts' work and achievements against business objectives.

• Job Title: Creative Director & Chief Executive
• Hours: Full time
• Artform: Combined arts
• Role: Creative
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: North East