DACS

Established by artists for artists, DACS is the UK’s leading not-for-profit visual artists’ rights management organisation. For 30 years DACS has acted as a ’trusted broker’ for artists worldwide, and today supports over 180,000 artists and artist estates. In 2020 alone, DACS paid £15.2 million in royalties to 72,000 artists and estates, helping thousands of creatives to continue making work. The importance of DACS’ work is reflective of the contribution visual artists make to the wider UK cultural landscape, and the valuable and vast contribution they make to the UK economy. DACS also plays a pivotal role influencing policy on behalf of artists in the UK, and building relations across the international arts networks.  In 2006 DACS was responsible, through championing artists’ rights as a sustained and vital contribution to the creative economy, for the introduction of the Artist’s Resale Right into UK law.

For the past 13 years DACS has been directed with aplomb by Gilane Tawadros.  Under her direction DACS’ reputation and standing has grown, and it has gained influence through a network of stakeholders across the arts, government and media sectors. As a result, DACS is widely regarded by its members and others in the sector as the flagship organisation for rights management, and has become a recognised and trusted brand as it continues to evolve and diversify income streams through the development of innovative new products and services.

Gilane Tawadros is stepping down to take up a new role as Director of the Whitechapel Gallery in London. The Board are therefore looking to recruit an exceptional candidate for the post of Chief Executive.  The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing DACS’ continued growth and evolution, leading the development of membership and revenue, whilst also developing the strategy to build new income streams and further establish DACS in the international arts market.

The successful candidate will bring strong, established artist relationships given the requirement to represent the sector externally.  They will know the people that matter in the sector, relevant industry groups, funding bodies and in the relevant government departments.  It will also be crucial that the CEO is a tested commercial leader, with proven financial acumen and able to navigate the governance and risk responsibilities which come with a complex organisation such as this.  Ensuring that DACS’ growth is underpinned by clear strategies to support advancing diversity and digital agendas will be key.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a hugely respected and successful organisation, driving forward a strong and ambitious team to achieve DACS’ potential growth and ensuring its profile continues to be a champion for visual artists.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to DACS on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference PABEDA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 10^th August 2022.

Freefall, 1993. Helen Frankenthaler.

Framed print, part of merchandise for Radical Beauty exhibition, courtesy of Dulwich Picture Gallery.

© 2022 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / DACS / Tyler Graphic Ltd., Mount Kisco, NY.