Jobs in the arts - clowns need apply

SMALL PRINT:THE JOBS market might not be blooming but a couple of the biggest jobs in Irish arts are now on offer.

Recruitment ads for director of the National Gallery of Ireland have been placed. It’s been known for some time that a replacement for Raymond Keaveney would be needed – which is why there was some surprise that head curator, and possible successor, Fionnuala Croke took the job of director of the Chester Beatty Library – but potential candidates will need to fit the criteria laid out in a 10-page brief.

What are they looking for? The document on publicjobs.ie goes into great detail, and among the priorities will be overseeing “a four-year Master Development Plan of the building fabric, new building and related infrastructure” and “challenging the gallery to become a world-class innovator in gallery presentations, online and in the new social media”.

However, the salary scale, depending on pension contributions and the candidate’s employment history, will reach €110,000. Plus, there’s a generous 31-day holiday leave. Applications must be in by April 21st.

The other high profile vacancy at the moment is director of the Arts Council, with Mary Cloake’s replacement set to take on the responsibility for managing the diminished funds.

The brief includes the daunting responsibility of establishing and maintaining “effective working relationships with all stakeholders including the arts community, Government departments, State agencies and other external bodies nationally and internationally”. Candidates must also be proficient in Irish (the National Gallery director is asked to be proficient in English). The pay scale goes to €97,000 and the deadline for applications is April 29th.

However, if the big jobs seem a bit out of reach, the Arts Council is also looking for new advisers to help appraise work and funding applications across a range of disciplines, from architecture to theatre. They’re also looking for a circus advisor – a rare example of a company hoping to give the job to some clown.