Artistic Director | Position Description |

About Blindside

Operating since 2004, Blindside is a not-for-profit, artist-run space based in the Nicholas Building in Naarm / Melbourne’s CBD. Blindside operates as a critical space for artists, writers and curators, encouraging the development and presentation of experimental and bold artwork and critical dialogue through its annual program of exhibitions, events, satellite and offsite projects.

Funded through government grants, philanthropic donations from the community and an  annual artwork fundraiser, Blindside is run by two part-time staff members, a volunteer  Board and committee of volunteer Artistic Directors. The longevity, power and creative  output of Blindside would not be possible without this generous labour.

In 2024, Blindside will celebrate the milestone of 20 years of continuous operation, from  our home in the Nicholas Building.

Artistic Director

As a Blindside Artistic Director you are an experienced, connected and committed creative. You will work collaboratively with the Chair, fellow Artistic Directors and Gallery Coordinator to design and implement a curatorial program for the gallery that is diverse and experimental.

You’ll provide visionary and considered advice in regards to the conceptual and ethical concerns of the gallery, and represent Blindside to external stakeholders with the aim of beginning conversations with artists, curators, funders and arts organisations that could collaborate with Blindside.

Artistic Directors are invited to attend monthly Board meetings to contribute to Blindside’s strategy and planning.

It is a minimum two year term, in the interests of continuity and achieving strategic goals.

Key Accountabilities

Prepare for and attend Artistic Director meetings every 6 - 7 weeks.

• Assist with curatorial scope of Blindside – ask questions regarding equity, diversity, inclusivity and content of work and challenge whether we are meeting our vision and mission.
• Be a representative for Blindside and seek out opportunities with external artists, curators, arts collectives, organisations, funding bodies and individual philanthropists
• Build and sustain Blindside’s creative networks
• Participate in the annual meeting to assess open call proposals in liaison with the Gallery Coordinator, to ensure program planning deadlines are met
• Contribute suggestions towards Blindside B-side fundraiser, new Artistic Directors, Mentors for First Nations Project, Emerging Curatorial Mentorship and other Blindside initiatives
• Promote Blindside’s programming and fundraising drives
• Make a commitment to actively participate in Blindside’s annual program of events.

Curatorial Opportunities

Artistic Directors may curate the annual Debut exhibition of graduate emerging artists from Melbourne universities, and Mobile video series – an online exhibition platform that hosted on the Blindside website

In consultation with the Chair of Artistic Directors, ADs are invited to initiate new curatorial opportunities, such as cross-organisational collaborations.

General Accountabilities

Be aware of Blindside’s Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 and be guided by Blindside’s mission, vision, purpose and goals.

Have a working knowledge of the 2015 Blindside Incorporated Rules.

Prepare for and actively participate in Artistic Director meetings.

Attend the Annual General Meeting and strategic planning meetings as required

Commit to running the bar at exhibition openings (5.30-8.30pm on a Thursday night) and/or public programming events every 8-10 weeks as required

Participate in working bees as required. Since we are volunteer-run, all Board members are required to pitch in.

Contribute at least 6-8 hours per month toward assisting Blindside’s development.

Keep informed of current developments, issues and concerns in the contemporary arts sector and have an understanding of and/or experience in the contemporary arts sector

Apply

To apply, please email your

• CV (2 pages max)
• Biography with links your website or relevant projects (1 page)
• 1 page letter outlining your interest and experience as follows:

1. Why are you interested in this role?
   
2. Tell us about you. Your current professional engagements, skills and experience. Are you a practising artist with exhibition experience? Do you have previous experience as a board member, curator, arts worker, collaborator? What networks do you participate in?

Email your application to: info@blindside.org.au

Blindside’s growth and artistic direction has been shaped by the collective enthusiasm and expertise of voluntary Artistic Directors, Board, Associate and Advisory members. See a list of current Artistic Directors.

Blindside is an inclusive space. Everyone is welcome here.

Questions? Contact the Chair, Artistic Directors, Martina Copley martinacopley@bigpond.com