Applications Now Open for Arts Board Matching Programme

Applications are now open for Arts & Business NI’s Leaders on Arts Boards programme, a pioneering professional development and board placement initiative, which is open to individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds who are interested in developing their leadership skills by volunteering on the board of a local arts organisation. 

Each year, Leaders on Arts Boards participants take part in a package of bespoke governance training and development sessions, designed to provide the knowledge, strategies and tools needed to succeed in the boardroom. Participants are then paired with an arts board, which aligns with their individual interests and provides the opportunity to apply their skills, experience, and passion in a new creative environment.

Maeve McKervey, Head of Business at Arts & Business NI commented “Volunteering on the board of a local arts organisation is a fantastic way to make a difference. Like all charities, arts organisations need diverse boards with a mix of skills and experience, to help steer their direction and deliver their purpose. Not only is it hugely rewarding, but it’s also a great way to develop your professional skills, widen your networks and add a new string to your bow. Many of our Leaders on Arts Boards participants have gone on to do fantastic things and have made real change in the creative organisations they support.”

The Arts & Business NI Board training and placement programme has been running for over 35 years. There are two programme tiers, one for Business Leaders with senior leadership experience and one for up-and-coming Young Leaders which comes with additional facilitated sessions.

Kathryn McCann, People & Culture at Whitespace, who was matched with the Board of Maiden Voyage Dance said “The Young Leaders on Arts Boards programme has been fundamental to my success in a leadership role, it’s widened my horizons, introduced me to new people, experiences and development opportunities.  I’ve always had a passion for arts and culture and being paired with Maiden Voyage Dance was a perfect fit. My experience of volunteering as a board member has been incredibly positive, from my very first meeting I was welcomed, and my opinions were valued; I really felt like I was as part of the organisation. Being a board member is a really great way to share your skills and give something back to the causes you care about.”

To find out more about the Leaders on Arts Board training and placement programmes or to apply to take part visit https://www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk/business-membership/our-talent-development-programmes

Applications close 12pm on 31 July 2023.