Chisenhale Gallery was founded by artists. The same experimental vision and spirit of possibility that changed an empty veneer factory and brewery warehouse into an art gallery guides its work today. The charity's mission is to commission new works of art through supporting artists at every stage of project development, from concept to completion. As a non-profit organisation, Chisenhale Gallery champions the ambitious, the challenging and the innovative from living artists and collaborates locally, nationally and internationally. It is committed to connecting its audiences to the energy and ideas of an ever-expanding creative community. Building on this rich and varied history, it continues to place artists at the centre of everything it does.

Located in a dynamic and creative residential neighbourhood in the heart of London’s East End, where many cultures converge, Chisenhale Gallery is an evolving space for experimentation, transformed by each artist’s commission. This building is home to a creative community spanning Chisenhale Gallery, Chisenhale Dance Space and Chisenhale Studios. With a reputation for identifying new artistic talent, it believes in the cultural impact that results from collaborating with and learning from artists working in all media.  

The Gallery is known for being one of London’s most innovative art spaces. Artist commissions initiated by Chisenhale Gallery have garnered international recognition including multiple Turner Prize nominations and wins, as well as visibility in major exhibitions and presence in museum collections across the UK and worldwide. The Gallery is well respected in British and international contemporary art circles. Its work and commissions are frequently covered in print and broadcast media, including specialist art press and also in some major news outlets including the Guardian, Financial Times, and the Evening Standard. It enjoys a robust social media following of 50.3k on Instagram.

The Gallery is based in a corner of London where over 137 languages spoken and 43% of residents originate from 200+ different countries, making it one of the most culturally-rich places in the country. The Gallery's locality is not without its challenges. Tower Hamlets has the fourth-youngest population in the UK and also the highest rate of child and pensioner poverty in the country. More than half the children in the borough (53.4%) – a higher proportion than anywhere else in the country – live in poverty. The borough is 16th in the UK in terms of ethnic diversity but Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic residents in the borough represent a high proportion of those experiencing unemployment, overcrowding in living accommodation and poor health outcomes.

The charity aims to reflect the diversity of its neighbourhood and to be culturally relevant and responsive through the programmes it develops; it does this by collaborating with a range of local organisations – from Rio Cinema in Dalston to Phytology (Bethnal Green nature reserve) – and with national and international gallery co-commissioning partners. It has recently pioneered a new programme for the Mayor of London to support youth mental health. Working with London-based artists Becky Warnock and Tyreis Holder, the project is spear-headed by James Leadbitter, the artist known as ‘the vacuum cleaner’. The artists worked with young people aged 10-24 to create a manifesto for how art and culture can be used to help reimagine the delivery of mental health care for London’s 2.8m youth. It is committed to sustaining inclusive access to all of its programmes.

Chisenhale Gallery is well placed to deliver Arts Council England’s 10-year Let’s Create strategy with genuine diversity running not only through its work, but also seen in the mix of expertise and backgrounds of its trustees, its directorial leadership and its staff, who are drawn from a range of socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  

With a strong understanding of the mission, vision and values of Chisenhale, the incoming Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering its objectives, providing inclusive leadership to the Board, and ensuring that each member fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the gallery. The Chair will also support, and where appropriate, challenge the Director, ensuring that the Board functions as a unit, working closely with all members of the management team to achieve agreed objectives.

The Chair will provide leadership to the Board in identifying and introducing new funding avenues and will make a personal time commitment to support the ambitious fundraising plans of the gallery, whilst encouraging other Trustees to do the same.
The Gallery is in a stable financial position. Consistently sound financial management over recent years has resulted in a reserve fund and a programme of activity which is fully funded 12 months in advance. The Charity has long cultivated multiple strands of income generation. Its three most prominent are:

• Public Funding: the charity is a National Portfolio Organisation and its regular ACE funding currently accounts for 18-19% of its annual expenditure
• Support from individuals, trusts and foundations: Chisenhale’s Director and an experienced Development team raise approximately 75% of its income from a committed circle of individual patrons and effective grant applications. During the most challenging economic shortfall at the height of the pandemic, The Gallery’s Director instigated the Resilience Fund which addressed the severe 2020-21 shortfall in individual donations
• Commercial Revenue: In addition to the above, the charity generates modest commercial income (4-5%) from in-kind support and sales of artists’ limited editions

Over the past five years, the Gallery has seen a period of intense growth in artistic output and quality, mirrored by an increased profile. It develops exhibitions and events that aim to be relevant for contemporary London. This means commissioning new artworks, talks and texts from women, artists of colour, LGBTQI+ artists and those who identify as living with disabilities. Therefore, The new incoming Chair must be an energetic advocate for the gallery and its vital role in the development of artists’ careers as well as assuring its position contributing to the vibrant cultural offer present in East London.

The successful candidate will have prior experience chairing a board and be familiar with charity governance as well as corporate social responsibility. They will have a strong commercial or financial background having held leadership roles in a senior finance function or as a general manager responsible for financial planning and oversight. They will be able to lead Board debates around ensuring the future sustainability of Chisenhale, including experience of capital campaigns and estates.

The appointed Chair will be able to develop positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, and play an ambassadorial role in representing the charity, expanding its network, profile and impact within both public and private business environments. They will be active at London, UK and international levels advancing the work of Chisenhale and championing its endeavours to varied audiences. Experience in the arts sector is not a prerequisite for this role, though candidates with an interest in the arts are preferred.

Alice Rawsthorn OBE, Chair
Andrew Haigh, Treasurer
Lubaina Himid CBE
Shane Akeroyd
May Calil
Mark Godfrey
Paul Maheke
Sasha Morgan
Sam Talbot

The role is unremunerated, however reasonable expenses may be reimbursed. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year, usually on a Wednesday evening for around two hours. The successful candidate is expected to attend at least three Board meetings in person in London. Board meetings usually take place in November (Annual General Meeting), early March, end of April and July (typically held via Zoom). Outside these meetings, the candidate will be available to engage with Trustees and members of the senior management team from time to time, and attend and host, as appropriate, openings and other events for the gallery. The length of the appointment is for three years, subject to renewal upon mutual agreement. UK-based candidates preferred.

Shortlist interviews for this role are planned to take place on Thursday September 22nd, from 10.30 to 4pm.