Black Country Touring (BCT) is seeking an inspiring and visionary Artistic Director to lead the Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of the Black Country, building on BCT’s reputation for bold, inclusive, and community-driven theatre, dance, and film. We are looking for a dynamic creative leader who will champion underrepresented voices, nurture artists, and collaborate with communities to bring captivating and meaningful work to local and national audiences.

Rooted in the region’s identity, BCT connects local stories with universal themes and issues, ensuring the voices of our diverse communities are heard. As Artistic Director, you will shape our artistic vision, balancing the leadership of our acclaimed touring scheme with the creation of ambitious new productions that are born from it. You will work closely with artists, community groups and local people to co-create work that resonates with the lived experiences of people across the Black Country. A commitment to collaboration, openness, and inclusivity will be key as you develop innovative programmes that break down barriers to participation and engagement.

Leading BCT’s artistic and strategic direction alongside the Executive Director, you will ensure our work continues to inspire, challenge, and reflect the communities we serve. You will contribute to the wider arts ecology of the region, forging partnerships, supporting talent development, and advocating for the transformative power of the arts. Whether through intimate performances in community spaces or groundbreaking new productions, you will create opportunities for creativity to thrive in the Black Country.

If you are passionate about championing marginalised voices, fostering artistic excellence, and making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to all, we would love to hear from you.

Download the job pack

Details

Contract:  Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours) per week (5 days, with a flexible approach). We are open to discussing this, and we will consider applications from individuals/ partnerships seeking part-time roles or job share arrangements to allow for diverse needs.

Salary:  Up to £41,000

Pension:  Employee contribution of 5% of salary. Employer contribution of 3% of salary.

Holiday:  28 days, plus statutory public holidays and your birthday 

Probation:  6-month probationary period

Start Date:  From June 2025, dependent on notice period

Location: The role offers some flexibility in terms of location, but the Artistic Director will need to be present in person regularly, with a mix of on-site, office-based and home working, to engage with artists, audiences, and the creative community. The office is located at Black Country Touring, Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5RJ.

Application Process

Applications Open: Monday 3rd March 2025

Pre-Application Chats: Wednesday 12th March & Thursday 13th March (30 - 45 minute slots available between 10am and 5pm)

An informal opportunity to meet team members, including the current Co-Artistic Directors, Executive Director and a trustee, to chat about the role.

In-person or online. Book a session by emailing corinne@bctouring.co.uk.

Application deadline: Friday 28th March 2025, 5pm

Applications to be submitted by email to corinne@bctouring.co.uk

Stage 1 Interviews: Week commencing 14th April 2025

This will include a ten-minute presentation. Further details will be shared if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Stage 2 Interviews (if required): Week commencing 21st April 2025

Before Applying

We actively encourage applications from people currently underrepresented in the cultural sector and represent the diverse communities of the Black Country, specifically people from Black, South Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds, as well as people who identify as (d)Deaf, Disabled and/or LGBTQ+.

If you have any access needs around applying for this role or would like to discuss further, please contact: Corinne Morris, General Manager: corinne@bctouring.co.uk. 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please download the job pack and then submit:

1. A letter (max two sides of A4) outlining how you meet the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification, referencing relevant experience and transferable skills

2. A CV or project portfolio (max two sides of A4) detailing your past employment and relevant projects.

Please submit your application by email to corinne@bctouring.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 28th March.

We understand that some candidates may find it easier to express themselves through alternative formats. If you would prefer to submit your application as an audio recording, please contact corinne@bctouring.co.uk for further guidance. Regardless of format, all applications will be assessed using the same criteria to ensure a fair and consistent process. We will not be accepting video applications due to our anonymised shortlisting process, detailed below.

Anonymised Shortlisting

BCT is committed to promoting fairness and reducing unconscious bias in our recruitment processes. We will conduct the initial shortlisting using anonymised applications to ensure that all candidates are assessed solely on their skills and experience. This means that personal identifiers such as your name, gender, age, and other details that may reveal your identity will be removed by a member of the team who is not part of the panel before your application is reviewed.

The shortlisting will focus on your relevant experience and evidence of leadership capability in relation to the criteria outlined in the person specification and job description. Once a shortlist is finalised, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the interview stage of the process, where we will explore your leadership style, values, and vision for the organisation.