Artistic Director and Chief Executive

Job Description

We are seeking an Artistic Director and Chief Executive to replace Richard Wakely, who steps down at the end of 2025 after successfully leading the organisation and curating the programme over 13 editions. We want you to help us continue to lead, develop, and grow this exciting annual celebration of contemporary performing arts from home and abroad to audiences from across the city and beyond.

BIAF is committed to being an inclusive employer and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for this role. A full candidate's information pack can be found below.

For an informal and confidential conversation with the current Artistic Director and Chief Executive about the role, please contact to arrange an appointment.

Salary & Benefits

This is a contract for 5 years with an option to extend by mutual consent. The role includes a six-month probationary period, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses for BIAF business, and contribution to relocation expenses. The salary is expected to be in the range of £60,000 to £66,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Benefits include 33 days of paid annual leave (including NI public and bank holidays), employer workplace pension contributions, and a hybrid working structure with options for remote work on Mondays and Fridays, with office presence required on other days. During the festival period, staff are required to be in the office full-time.

Company Overview

Belfast International Arts Festival is the largest international festival of contemporary arts in Ireland and one of the oldest in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1962 as Belfast Festival at Queen's, rebranded in 2015, it takes place annually in October and November across Belfast at various indoor and outdoor venues, ranging from large-scale to intimate settings. Our values emphasize global connections, contemporary and interdisciplinary arts, community, collaboration, access, and diversity.