Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts opened in 1939 as an arts centre for ‘the study and encouragement of art and music’ at the University of Birmingham. Housed in the only Grade 1 listed building on the University of Birmingham campus, the Barber comprises a lecture theatre, library and teaching rooms alongside its beautiful purpose-built galleries and exquisite Art Deco concert hall and is considered to be the first facility designed for teaching music and the arts alongside performance and museum displays. The collection and exhibitions match the superlative standard of the building, and indeed the Barber is often described as a ‘national gallery in miniature’. Nine decades of collecting have produced an internationally significant and still-growing treasure house which includes many of the greatest names in Western art – Giovanni Bellini, Botticelli, Veronese, Rubens, Poussin, Murillo, Gainsborough, Canaletto, Manet, Degas, Monet, Gauguin, Bellows, Magritte, Gabo and Auerbach. With a rich exhibition programme and very strong learning and engagement output, the Barber is a truly distinctive institution at the nexus of art and education. The Barber collection encompasses global diversity and continues to grow.

Against the backdrop of a very exciting time for the region, the University of Birmingham now seeks candidates for the role of Director of the Barber. The new Director will be committed to the Barber’s mission – the study and encouragement of art and music – and build upon recent achievements, continuing to raise the profile of the Institute and lead on developing its contribution to the rich cultural life of the University, the city of Birmingham and the wider region. They will also play a significant role in the visioning and delivery of a refurbishment project and will be expected to lead a major fundraising campaign to secure the philanthropic and grant support that is likely to be necessary. Looking further ahead, the University and the Henry Barber Trust will be celebrating the Barber’s 100th birthday in 2032; a significant milestone and the new Director will have the opportunity to shape these plans.

Ideal candidates will be excited by the unique opportunities offered by the Barber’s status as a university museum, positioned centrally at the interface of civic and academic life. They will be audience-focussed and outward-looking, able to evidence their commitment to widening access and the principle that museums thrive when shared in creative and life-enhancing ways with a diverse range of users.

They will be inspiring and compelling when advocating for the Barber to a range of stakeholders, internally and externally, and potential supporters and will have an international reputation based on their experience within a relevant comparable cultural institution. They will also have a level of expertise commensurate with the quality of the artworks for which they are responsible and a broad knowledge of the collections as a whole. They will be able to direct a stimulating programme of exhibitions, innovative collaborations and high-quality activities which bring together public audiences and those studying and working in Higher Education. A track record of leading the successful delivery of a capital redevelopment project is also highly desirable.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Birmingham, Barber Institute of Fine Arts on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBDVA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 28^th June 2022.