Void Art Centre’s overarching mission is to present high quality contemporary art and a public programme of engaging activities. We commission work by national and international mid-career artists, acting with a collaborative spirit by creating new and lasting partnerships.

In 2024, Void Art Centre commenced a living practice of Social Permaculture, in which our organisational structure is based on models of co-existence and co-creation as well as sustainable use of local resources (both monetary and non-monetary) such as public grants, voluntary commitments, mutual aid, commercial arrangement, and private sponsorship. 

Void Art Centre’s ambition is to ensure our programmes and the organisation as a whole are sustainable and civic-engaged, entailing more attention and care towards the team, our resources and local environment. Responding to this ambition, Void Art Centre focuses on alternative ways of producing, distributing and presenting art projects. This includes responding to our locality, working within Derry and Northern Ireland to reflect the global changes we are all part of.  In addition, we work according to a seasonal rhythm, with our programme mirroring the four seasons and sowing, planting, maintaining, harvesting and sharing core processes within our values.

Like our internal working, our programming investigates ways of working together and collaborative and cooperative practices within the arts and with other sectors. We seek to form organic connections with the site of Derry and its audience. We have an asset-based approach to connecting with our locale, working with a methodology focused on the sustainable development of communities based on their strength and interests. To implement this, we follow the process of:

  • Observation and mapping of resources, skills and expertise at our disposal. 
  • Organising the community around specific issues such as climate change and sustainable approaches to agriculture and place-making. 

Within our programming, we adopt a different use of time. Our activities include both one-off, recurrent and long term projects, with some projects spanning only the length of the exhibition, and others resulting in further research and public reflections. Some components of our programme run throughout the year, developing into long term projects across a multi-year period. Process is a key aspect of our programme, as we ensure our organisational approaches and programming is aligned and that our programme is integrated into Derry life, with onsite and offsite activities focusing on genuine connection rather than outcome-oriented working. 

 

What Trustees do:

The role of the board is to take overall responsibility for the work and actions of Void Art Centre.  The five principles of governance set out by the Charities Commission  describe this responsibility in more detail:

  • Understanding its function in delivering organisational purpose
  • Working as an effective team
  • Maintaining control, making effective decisions and managing risk
  • Acting with integrity
  • Being open and accountable

Trustees will be responsible for the strategic overview of all aspects of Void Art Centre operation and business. They have responsibility for ensuring charitable, legal and regulatory obligations are met and that the organisation is run as a financially sustainable and efficient entity. Trustees are advocates of and for Void Art Centre using their expertise to support and promote the charity’s work. Trustees will be focusing on establishing the business as a new charity, consolidating the legacy of the work of Void Art Centre to date and will play a significant role in shaping the future at this pivotal time in its history. 

 

We are looking for trustees with: 

  • Commitment and passion for the work of Void Art Centre 
  • Ability to take a strategic view 
  • Excellent listening, analytical, and comprehension skills 
  • Ability to understand the complex operating context of contemporary cultural organisations and their associated risks and opportunities 
  • Awareness of the cultural landscape in Derry, nationally and internationally 
  • Experience of income generation, individual giving 
  • Ability to translate specific areas of specialism to the charity’s aims and objectives 
  • Ability to utilise communication skills and networking contacts to the benefit of the charity
  • Awareness of safeguarding practices and responsibilities. 

 

Key experience and attributes: 

It is important to Void Art Centre that our board membership reflects a wide range of experiences and provides Void with the knowledge to support good governance across a range of attributes. 

Our current board have skills, interests and experiences across the areas of local knowledge of Derry and Northern Ireland, visual arts in Northern Ireland, economic and social development, policy and organisational development in the arts, business management, archive and record management, education, community engagement, and disability and access. 

We are looking for someone who has emotional intelligence and the capacity to bring different perspectives together; who understands the principles of good governance and how to promote them; who is interested in working closely with the team and being an ambassador for our work on a national and international level. 

We’d love to hear from you if you have expertise in one of these areas:

  • Financial/ Commercial
  • HR and People Management
  • Architecture
  • Marketing
  • Media

Trustees need to attend 4 board meetings per year. Papers will be circulated before each meeting to be read in advance and allow you to prepare for the meeting. Board meetings are held in situ but can be attended online if necessary. In addition to the board meetings, there will be an AGM and may also be some additional training/board development sessions. We want you to actively support and be interested in our work so there will also be events to attend e.g. exhibition openings, live programme, PR launches, fundraising events. 

The role is unremunerated and no expenses are offered for travel to Board meetings as required. This is standard as per charity law and we understand this will limit some people’s ability to apply. Board terms are 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 terms. 

 

How to apply 

Please send the following:
  • A summary CV 
  • A supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience. 
  • Formats: Written (up to 2 sides of A4) Video Audio Send to: hello@derryvoid.com
  • For an informal discussion about the Trustee role please email viviana@derryvoid.com
Timeline 
  • Deadline 27th June 2025
  • Interviews 2nd & 3rd July 2025 
  • Appointments 4th September 2025

 

THANK YOU

 

[ Photo, Shakira Nelis | Void Art Centre ]