Call for applications: Arts and Culture Trust board members

The application process opened on 2 March and closes on 10 March. ACT welcomes applications and nominations of people from around South Africa who believe they can make a purpose-driven and sound contribution to the upliftment, development and growth of the arts and culture sector.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send an email to palesa@act.org.za before 10 March with:

• A one-paged motivation on how they see themselves bringing value to ACT and the arts and culture sector.
• Recent CV with three references or more.

Outcomes will be made public in mid-April.

The trust is looking to appoint a suitable board member for each of the following portfolios: 

• Capital management and growth as well as strategic partnerships.
• A business strategist to actively oversee the strategy, risk management and identification; experienced individuals in the business space (C-suite management).
• CA chief financial fficer to manage the overall financial compliance (risk and audit) and financial management of the Trust.
• Marketing Strategist.

The board positions are volunteer-based and required an induction and board contract to be completed. The benefits of being appointed to the ACT Board of Directors includes networking with fellow Board Members and key stakeholders for a common goal; invitations to VIP events; affiliation with a reputable and clean governance organisation; leadership development and board experience.

Criteria

• Each board member is expected to commit to a minimum two-year term of responsibility, with a full-term totalling three years, by actively participating in board activities. These include preparing for board meetings, implementing judiciary responsibilities, volunteering skills and networks, offering expertise and access to resources, supporting the CEO, being involved (where applicable) in strategic and policy programme decisions, understanding the ACT’s programmes and offerings as well as ACT’s strategy.
• The individual must fit the overall expectations and display certain characteristics and qualities deemed part of their contribution requiring them to be active, responsive, transparent, efficient, accountable, consensus orientated, solution and compliance-driven; caring and loyal in fulfilling their duties. It is also important that all applicants are free of significant conflicts of interest which might not allow the proper execution of their duties as a member of the board.
• Additional criteria which would enhance the individual’s suitability includes access to networks and professional memberships, willingness to mentor internal and external ACT stakeholders as well as upskill these stakeholders with transferable skills. 

“Board members are invaluable assets to NGO/NPO organisations, such as the Arts and Culture Trust as innovation and expertise are key to sustainability and future,” ACT interim CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “We, therefore, expect that individuals who consider making applications are willing to make themselves available to actively contribute to the growth of the organisation.

“As we continue to grow and build the Trust we need to strengthen our Board with individuals who are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, motivation and passion to support the Trust in its endeavours to empower the arts sector. A number of our current board member terms will come to an end and continuity is a priority for the Trust in order to build on strong foundations, new board members will undergo a mentorship period where important organisational history will be transferred to incoming board members.”

View the original call here.