BECOME A BOARD MEMBER

APPLICATION PROCESS

Background

The Festival was established in 1982 by a small group of resident artists in Pittenweem. From its initial small start, the Festival has grown into the largest community based arts event in Scotland, attracting around 20,000 visitors each Summer. The Festival’s primary objective is ‘to advance the education of the public in the Arts by holding in the Royal Burgh of Pittenweem an annual arts festival and other related activities '. In 2010 it bought the former Fife Council Office at 47 High Street. It is now the Festival’s office and gallery space. We are a not- for -profit registered charity, regulated by the Scottish Charities Regulator, OSCR.

The Festival takes place throughout the village in the first week of August each year.

Overall, the Festival attracts over 130 artists each year, locally and from around Scotland, to exhibit their work. Each participant pays a registration fee to the Festival and rents a venue in the village, mainly in houses but also in some unusual spaces. The popular Open Art Exhibition allows both aspiring and established artists to show a piece of their artwork. The Pittenweem Arts Festival Henderson Bursary Award has been established to help to promote new and emerging artists.

Putting on the Festival currently costs over £100,000 p.a. Around half of that is spent on infrastructure such as car parking, additional toilets and refuse bins. The rest pays for advertising, brochure printing and staff costs. We are self–funded from artists’ registration fees, car park donations, brochure sales and income from events and fund raising activity at various times in the year. Temporary staff are employed each year as needed during the Festival as car park stewards, gallery assistants and in the Festival Office.

The economic benefits to the Fife economy, including Pittenweem, are significant, estimated annually as in excess of £1.8m accounted for by visitor spend in Fife on accommodation, café and restaurant meals and of course, Festival purchases.
 

The Board’s responsibilities, skills & experience required

In addition to the normal statutory and fiduciary responsibilities that all Boards must oversee, there is a specific requirement on the Festival Board to organise, manage and deliver a successful event. As a Trustee of the charity you would also be a company director for the purposes of the Companies Acts.

Our Board includes a Company Secretary, a Treasurer and a Chair all of whom are elected from among the Board members each year. The Trustees have a variety of skills and experiences including making and marketing, HR, legal, finance, administration and exhibition preparation. Whatever your previous experience and interests you will have a contribution to make. The Festival is a large complex event and all the Board’s skills and background are necessary for its successful delivery. All Board members are expected to have an enthusiasm for the arts in Scotland. It benefits Board members to be based fairly locally so that they understand the practical issues to be addressed in the village and surrounding area. We would be particularly interested in applications from individuals with experience of fundraising, sponsorship or Digital Technology.
 

Time Commitment

There are usually around 10 Board meeting each year. They are a combination of face to face and on-line meetings. They normally take place monthly and last for up to two hours. Board members are expected to attend and also to undertake a share of the preparatory planning work throughout the year leading to delivery of the Festival.

The Board would expect all members to commit to a minimum of three years service. It is important that applicants carefully consider their ability to meet this commitment before applying. Appointment as a Board member is unpaid, but remuneration of reasonable expenses, such as travel arising from duties as a Board member, will be reimbursed.

Application Process

Please submit an e-mail application (500 words max) explaining why you believe you are suited to a role on the board together with a current CV to Carolyn McNeish carolyn@pittenweemarts.onmicrosoft.com

Suitable candidates will be invited to a meeting with two Board members. If you are interested in discussing this role further, prior to submitting your application, you should contact Carolyn McNeish carolyn@pittenweemarts.onmicrosoft.com

We look forward to hearing from you. Applications close on 28th February 2025.