The BSR is one of the leading international academies in Rome, a dynamic centre for the interdisciplinary research of the art, history, archaeology, culture and society of the western Mediterranean, and a place where people come to make art. Its mission is to create an environment for research and artistic endeavour of international excellence and to facilitate the contribution to these fields by scholars, researchers, artists, architects and practitioners from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Its range of work over 100 years is hugely impressive and the BSR has hosted academics, researchers and students from a wide variety of disciplines and from many of the world’s leading universities, museums and creative institutions, as well as artists working in a range of different media, including subsequent winners of the Turner Prize.
As an outward-looking institution in one of the world’s great cities, the BSR is an effective bridge into the intellectual and cultural heart of Rome and Italy, and this will become an ever more important mission in a post-Brexit environment, with all the challenges and opportunities this will bring. It is also the largest of the British International Research Institutes (BIRIs) sponsored by the British Academy.
The BSR has first class facilities, including artists’ studios, a modern large lecture theatre used for conferences, lectures and exhibitions, and an impressive specialist research library and archive. Residents, whether award-holders or shorter-term visitors, together with the BSR’s experienced and committed staff and visitors from the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and Italy, all make the BSR a dynamic and flourishing academic and artistic community. Here the exchange of ideas across different disciplines, interests and media nourishes and develops the intellectual curiosity of all those involved.
The BSR wishes to appoint a new Director with the ambition, energy and leadership skills to work with the School’s Council, staff and other stakeholders to articulate and develop a strategic vision for the future, positioning the BSR as a world-class institution in its fields of expertise, and perhaps others that are pertinent to its mission, for the next decade and beyond. As part of this process, a key requirement will be to make the BSR a welcoming, inclusive and diverse centre for a wide variety of academics, artists and other visitors.
In this exciting and varied role, the Director will be responsible for the management of the BSR and its staff in both Rome and London, and for the well-being and development of award holders and residents of the BSR. As research leader and mentor for researchers and artists in residence, the Director will determine, support and supervise the research and cultural strategies, programmes and projects of the institution. The next Director of the BSR will also look at ways in which to continue to expand the BSR’s academic and artistic remit, as well as its research output and the use of its resources. The Director will maintain collaborative and productive relations with the British Academy and seek to develop external funding through UKRI and international funding bodies, alongside sponsorships and partnerships with other UK, Italian and international bodies, and attracting philanthropic support.
Strong candidates will bring a record of distinction and achievement in research and practice in one or more of the disciplines covered by the BSR’s wide remit, including the creative arts and industries and academic research. They will also possess significant experience of management, including change management, in an academic, creative, arts or similar institution.
This Rome-based post is full-time and residential at the BSR, normally in the Director’s residence on-site. The post may be held on secondment from a UK university or similar academic or creative arts institution, or otherwise the Director may be employed directly by the BSR.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the British School at Rome on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference PANATA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 3 March 2021.