We're looking for new board members - Could it be you?

Carlow Arts Festival is looking for a new member to join our Board of Directors.

This is an opportunity to bring your experience, ideas and enthusiasm to an organisation that has been part of Carlow’s cultural life for 47 years. If you share our belief that the arts are for everyone and would like to contribute to CAF’s future, we would love to hear from you.

Carlow Arts Festival is a year-round multidisciplinary cultural organisation that creates, presents and supports ambitious artistic work. Established in 1979, CAF brings artists, audiences and communities together through three connected strands:

FESTIVAL: Our annual multidisciplinary arts festival.

ASSEMBLY: Our year-round participation and engagement programme.

ORIGIN: Our artist development strand.

Rooted in Carlow and connected nationally and internationally, we create space for discovery, creativity and connection. We bring ambitious artistic experiences to the town and county, with access and inclusion at the heart of our work.

The Role:

Our Board works together to provide strategic direction and oversight, supporting CAF’s artistic ambition, public purpose and long-term sustainability.

As a Board member, you will bring your perspective and experience to shared discussions and decisions, working with fellow directors and the executive team to help guide the organisation’s future. Board members contribute to:

• Championing CAF’s work and helping strengthen its relationships. Ensuring CAF fulfils its charitable purpose and serves the public benefit.

• Overseeing financial management and the responsible use of resources.

• Supporting good governance and compliance with legal, regulatory and reporting requirements.

• Identifying risks and supporting the organisation’s long-term resilience.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an ambitious organisation with deep community roots.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone with previous Board experience and sound governance knowledge, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit organisation or a cultural organisation (though not essential), and the confidence to contribute thoughtfully to Board discussions and decisions.

You do not need to bring expertise in every area. We are looking for someone whose strengths complement those already represented on the Board. Alongside your experience, we hope you will bring:

• An interest in arts and culture and an appreciation of the importance of creativity in our lives.

• A commitment to access, inclusion and participation.

• A collaborative approach, with a willingness to listen, ask questions and offer constructive challenge.

• Time and enthusiasm to engage with CAF and its work.

We welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds and want to broaden the perspectives and lived experiences represented on our Board. We particularly welcome expressions of interest from younger adults, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and migrant communities, disabled people and practising artists who bring the experience outlined above.

Time Commitment

The Board generally meets 5 times a year. Meetings take place on a hybrid basis, with in-person meetings held in Carlow town. Members are expected to prepare for and participate in meetings, and may also contribute to Board subgroups or attend occasional meetings and events on behalf of CAF. This is a voluntary, unpaid role.

Interested? We Would Love to Hear From You

To express your interest, or to arrange a chat to discuss further, please email Mikey@carlowartsfestival.ie, telling us:

• Why you would like to join the Board of Carlow Arts Festival.
• Your previous Board and governance experience.
• The skills and perspectives you would bring.