The Culture Trust, Luton

Established in 2008, the Culture Trust, Luton is a vibrant and progressive independent charity whose mission is ‘to connect communities through culture’. They do this predominantly through animation of six venues; The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton Library Theatre, Hat House creative workspace, Storefront Gallery, Wardown House Museum & Gallery and Stockwood Gardens & Museum. They present multi-cultural and year-round programme of events, exhibitions, workshops and performances. They support creative talent and skills by providing opportunities, platforms and cultural career progression for all ages, but particularly young people. They care for a collection of over 2 million artefacts, 1.5 million photographs and maps and hold the most extensive and compete hat and headwear collection in the UK. The Trust co-produce activity with their community, Museum Makers volunteers and team of cultural experts. Pre-Covid the Trust welcomed over 285,000 visitors per annum and is proud to welcome a diverse audience but will continue to target and engage under-served communities.

The Trust is now seeking an exceptional candidate to join as Creative Director, a newly created role which will build upon the achievements of the organisation to date. The postholder will oversee the Trust’s artistic vision and set cultural strategy, leading the delivery of programme across the multiple venues. The postholder will bring senior leadership experience and excellent strategic qualities in an arts and cultural context. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Creative Director will develop exemplary locally relevant and nationally important year-round programmes in the three venues and visitor attractions (The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Wardown House and Stockwood Discovery Centre). With a cultural programming background, the Creative Director will be a key ambassador for the Culture Trust both locally and nationally, with the gravitas, networks and communication skills to match. They will have a passion for arts and heritage, a knowledge of venue programming, collections and museums and experience in engaging communities in high quality learning and cultural programmes.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Culture Trust, Luton on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference PAPAJA. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 16 June 2021.