Ikon has an exciting opportunity for a creative and enthusiastic individual to join the senior management team at Ikon, working with the team and Board of Trustees as we look to the future.
Job Description
The Artistic Director, Exhibitions (Maternity Cover) will be line managed by the Chief Executive Officer, with input from the Artistic Director, Exhibitions, and will receive support from the Artistic Director (Education) as required to ensure a smooth transition. Towards the end of the contract, the postholder will work closely with the returning Artistic Director, Exhibitions to ensure continuity and effective delivery of the exhibition programme. During the maternity cover period, they will be a member of and working closely with the Senior Management Team comprising the CEO, Artistic Director (Education), Director of Development & Audience Insights, and Head of Finance. You will be leading the Exhibitions team, which currently includes the Artistic Director for Exhibitions, a Curator, an Assistant Curator (with responsibility for the public programme), and a Technician. The Technician works across the Facilities Team, supporting both the organisation and technical production of exhibitions and offsite projects. As Artistic Director (Maternity Cover), you will line manage the Curator and Technician, act as the main point of contact for stakeholders and funders on designated exhibitions and projects, and ensure best practice across curating, artist liaison, loans management and exhibition administration. Your key objective will be to oversee exhibitions, public events and projects in Ikon's forthcoming programme (2026/27), set by the Artistic Director, Exhibitions. You will support the Curator in curating and finalising designated exhibitions and projects, while also contributing to the development of confirmed exhibitions, public events and future projects within Ikon's long-term artistic programme (2028 and beyond). A core part of the role will be to maximise audiences, enhance exhibition funding, and identify commercial opportunities that strengthen the organisation's artistic and financial reach. For a full job description, please visit Ikon's website.
Job Requirements
The Artistic Director, Exhibitions (Maternity Cover) vacancy is a fixed-term, 12-month contract. Ikon is open to proposals and a flexible approach to recruiting for this temporary position. The main working location will be Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Birmingham, B1 2HS, although flexible home and offsite working could be discussed, depending on the approach contracted. The deadline for applications is 18 March 2026, 6pm, however Ikon reserve the right to close the application submission period prior to this date once the application capacity is reached.
Job Responsibilities
We are looking for an individual who: Has experience of leading an exhibitions team, Is able to communicate with internal and external stakeholders with clarity, diplomacy and build trust quickly, Prioritise workload and manage expectations around capacity and delivery, Represent leadership consistent with existing values, Is flexible and adaptable, An experienced project manager able to deliver on time and within budget, Has experience of and is able to support fundraising, Is highly audience aware, with a strong commitment to advancing Ikon's core values of accessibility, inclusivity and openness, Has a 'can do' attitude and is a positive problem solver. For a full job description, please visit Ikon's website.
Please send the following to [email protected] by 6pm, Wednesday 18 March 2026 (BST).
Please use the subject line ‘Artistic Director, Exhibitions (Maternity Cover) Application’
• A Cover Letter (no more than two A4 pages)
• A CV
• Please also complete the online Equal Opportunities Monitoring form (link on Ikon website)
Please note Ikon reserve the right to close the application submission period prior to the date listed, once the application capacity is reached.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 27 March 2026 at Ikon Gallery.
Expected start date is beginning to mid May 2026.
Ikon is an internationally acclaimed art gallery in central Birmingham, offering free entry to all. Founded in 1965 as an artists-led alternative space, it has evolved into one of the most internationalist artistic programmes in Europe, combining established with emerging artists. Housed in a renovated neo-gothic school building, Ikon is an educational charity for the promotion of visual art of international significance, playing a key role in the cultural life of the West Midlands region.
