Open Call for Expressions of Interest in joining the Board of Directors of Dublin Theatre Festival

Would you like to contribute to the future of theatre in Ireland?

Dublin Theatre Festival is looking for new board members. This is an exciting opportunity to diversify our governing body and to ensure that the board has the skills it requires to successfully guide our ambitious festival.

We are looking for people who bring international experience or a unique perspective. People who want to contribute to bringing world-class theatre to Dublin, to supporting artists in creating outstanding work and to providing a platform to showcase the best of Irish theatre to the world.

At the heart of Dublin Theatre Festival is the city of Dublin – its people and its stories – and a commitment to contributing to the vibrant social and cultural life of our capital. Our mission is to present a programme of exceptional theatrical experiences that will appeal to the diverse communities that make up our city.

We have a rich history, with much to celebrate, but we are most excited about is what is yet to come. In the future, we want to see more people participating in culture and more artists creating bold new work that challenges and inspires.

We are looking to build and diversify our board expertise and experience with particular focus on the following areas:

• Finance
• HR
• Business experience and networks. The organisation is supported by OKC and the Arts Council through the RAISE programme and is working to diversify its income streams.

We are actively seeking new perspectives so that our board better reflects the diversity and lived reality of Irish society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who come from backgrounds and communities that are traditionally underrepresented in theatre and the performing arts. Diversity at every level of the organisation is important to us and we actively encourage candidates of all abilities and experience to put themselves forward.

Dublin Theatre Festival is principally funded by the Arts Council.

Role of Board Members

Directors of the board are both company directors and charity trustees, and should understand the legal duties of the role, as explained by the Charities Regulator and the Arts Council’s Practical Guide for Board Members of Arts Organisations. Directors are responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and for ensuring the highest standards of governance are upheld, in accordance with the Charities Governance Code.

Directors are responsible for the financial sustainability of the organisation and support the fundraising function of the organisation – this may be through joining the Development Subcommittee, making introductions or championing the organisation’s work to relevant contacts.

Board members are elected for a 3 year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years. Dublin Theatre Festival is a registered charity and this is a voluntary, unpaid position. The Board of Dublin Theatre Festival meets 6-9 times annually, including the AGM. There are three sub-committees and Board members are expected to contribute to the ongoing development of the organisation and to attend festival events where possible. We welcome applications from people with previous board or trustee experience but this is not an essential requirement.

Current Board Composition

Further information on our current board, Governance and other policies can be found here.

Submission Process

Please submit a current CV/bio and short cover letter, outlining how your background and experience meet the requirements of the organisation as detailed above.

Applications will be treated in strict confidence. All enquiries, applications and all aspects of the proceedings will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone outside those directly involved in the process.

We would love to start a conversation. Enquiries in strictest confidence to Willie White, Artistic Director & CEO. willie@dublintheatrefestival.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications is May 18, 2023.