Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who would like to join the Arts and Cultural Advisory Panel, and who are actively involved in the arts and cultural sector.
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as voluntary or working practitioners, educationalists, or presently employed within the sector, and should have demonstrable experience in one of the following areas: visual arts, crafts, poetry and literature, dance and performance art, community arts, arts education or music.
Panel Members will be appointed for an initial 4 year term in a voluntary, non-remunerated capacity. The Advisory Panel will report to the Council’s Community Planning Committee which will oversee its strategic framework.
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity then please contact Simon Goldrick, Head of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Events via T. 028 9034 0010 or E. Simon.Goldrick@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.
Applications are welcome from all suitable individuals irrespective of religious belief, political opinion, gender, age, racial group, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or whether or not they have dependants.
Application Pack
The aim of the Arts and Culture Service at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is to promote, develop and support the sector throughout the Borough in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan 2019-30, Our Borough, Your Vision.
The Council’s Arts and Cultural Advisory Panel is made up of Elected Members and voluntary, independent members, and advises, advocates and endorses the Council’s Arts and Cultural offering and informs the development of the service thereby supporting the delivery of the Corporate Plan.
The Arts and Culture Service aims to deliver an artistic and cultural offer with broad appeal that serves to enrich the lives of residents and visitors, developing a vibrant cultural life for the Borough.
The Role of the Panel
The role of the Advisory Panel is to provide advice, support, and advocacy for the Borough’s Arts and Cultural Service to enable it to deliver the Council’s Corporate Plan 2019-30, Our Borough, Your Vision. The Panel will report to the Community Planning Committee of the Council who will oversee the strategic framework of the Panel. The specific role of the Panel is to:
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Advise Council on the programming of arts and cultural activities, specifically the performing arts programme of:
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The Council’s three theatres (the Theatre at the Mill, the Old Courthouse Theatre, and the Courtyard Theatre)
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The Council’s programme of Borough-wide events
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All other regular and ad hoc arts and cultural activities
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Provide advocacy for the Borough’s arts and cultural sector
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Provide the Council with an informed insight into current issues affecting the arts and culture throughout Northern Ireland
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Represent the arts and cultural community both locally and regionally
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Contribute expertise, skills and knowledge from specific genres for the benefit of the ongoing development of arts and culture in the Borough.
Membership
Membership will consist of
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One Elected Member from each political party, preferably with an interest in the arts and cultural sector. These members will be nominated by Group Leaders, approved by the Community Planning Committee and ratified by the Council, and will serve for the full term of the Council.
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Up to 12 independent members. Independent members shall be actively involved in the arts and cultural sector, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience, either on a voluntary basis or as working practitioners, educationalists, or presently employed within the sector, and have demonstrable experience in one of the following areas: visual arts, crafts, poetry and literature, dance and performance art, community arts, arts education or music.
Status
The status of the Panel will be voluntary and there will be no payment to independent members for attendance at meetings. The Panel will provide advice and recommendations in relation to its role. Where recommendations are made requiring a Council decision, then these will be referred to the Community Planning Committee as a report.
Period of Service
Elected and independent members can service for a four-year Council term of office. All Panel members are permitted to serve multiple terms.
Commitment:
The Arts and Cultural Advisory Panel will meet formally four times a year, synchronised with the theatre programme seasons. Meetings will typically occur each February, June, October and December. It is a minimum requirement of membership that all members, both elected and non-elected independent members attend at least one meeting in four. If members are unable to meet this commitment then it will be assumed that they can no longer fulfil the requirement of Panel membership and a replacement member will be sought.
Panel Members will also be invited to some performances and events throughout the year.