APPLICATION PACK
Director/CEO
December 2016
EVA International – Ireland’s Biennial
Limerick City Gallery of Art,
Pery Square, Limerick, Ireland
www.eva.ie | [email protected]
EVA International Biennial of Visual Art CLG
Company Number: 51048
CONTENTS
• Introduction
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• History
5
• Seeking Director/CEO
7
• Job Description
8
• Person Specification
11
• How to Apply
12
• Team Structure
13
• Funding Mix
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INTRODUCTION
Cleeve’s Factory, EVA International 2016 venue
EVA International is Ireland’s biennial of contemporary art. Every two years EVA works with
highly regarded curators to create a 12-week programme of exhibition and events that
engages with ideas, people and the city of Limerick. Since being founded in 1977, EVA
International has worked with 2,098 artists and 41 curators from around the world, bringing
innovative exhibitions and international audiences to the west of Ireland.
Artists' projects are selected through an international open and invited call for proposals and
exhibitions take place in galleries, museums, private and public spaces across Limerick City.
A programme of talks, workshops and events accompanies the exhibitions and provides
further opportunities for audiences to engage and participate. The Young EVA programme
fosters and develops younger audiences, encouraging engagement with and understanding
of contemporary art.
The most recent edition of EVA International in 2016, “Still (the) Barbarians”, was curated by
Koyo Kouoh, the founding Artistic Director of RAW Material Company, a centre for art,
knowledge and society in Dakar, Senegal and the Curator of FORUM, the education
programme at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London and New York. “Still (the)
Barbarians” featured works by 57 artists (nine from Ireland and 48 from the rest of the world)
including 22 new commissions and presentations. “Still (the) Barbarians” attracted over
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100,000 local and international visitors to see 297 artworks at six locations across the city —
Limerick City Gallery of Art, Cleeve’s Condensed Milk Factory, The Sailor’s Home, The Hunt
Museum, King John’s Castle, The Milk Market, Mother Macs.
The 38th edition of EVA International in 2018 will be curated by Inti Guerrero (Bogotá/Hong
Kong) who is currently the Estrellita B. Brodsky Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art at Tate
in London. From 2011–2014 he was the Associate Artistic Director and Curator at TEOR/
éTica, an independent not-for-profit art space founded in 1999 in San José, Costa Rica.
EVA International is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Limerick City and County
Council Arts Office, Limerick School of Art & Design, Limerick Institute of Technology and
works in close partnership with Limerick City Gallery of Art. EVA International also has a very
vibrant network of collaborations and partnerships, working with many organizations across
Limerick, Ireland and internationally.
EVA International’s mission statement is:
• EVA International works with leading curators to deliver exceptional contemporary
art exhibitions and events in Limerick.
EVA International’s aims are to:
• Deliver exhibitions and events of contemporary art that are of the highest quality by
international standards.
• Lead and champion the production, curation, commissioning and exhibiting of
contemporary art in Limerick and Ireland.
• Support the development of new work by Irish and International artists, through
national and international co-commissions, co-production and collaborations.
• Develop and discover new audiences, including through engagement with works of
art, exhibition platforms, participation and education.
• Promote Limerick as a cultural destination to national and international audiences in
collaboration with our municipal partners in Limerick City and County Council and
national tourism agencies.
• Develop resources and capacity to ensure the organization’s growth and
sustainability, including delivering significant fundraising and sponsorship
initiatives.
• Create an archive resource about the history of EVA exhibitions.
• Ensure that a commitment to quality, excellence and best practice pervades all
aspects of our work.
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HISTORY
Luc Deleu, “Construction X” as part of EVA International 1994
EVA International (previously known as e v+ a, Exhibition of Visual Art) was founded by
Limerick-based artists and academics in January 1977. The aim of the original committee
was to show the work of contemporary visual artists and to “provide the public with an
opportunity to visit and experience an exhibition not normally available in the region and [...]
to stimulate an awareness of the visual arts here” (taken from the Introduction to EVA 1977
catalogue).
Initially the exhibition took place annually and artworks were selected from an open call for
submissions by a panel of acclaimed Irish artists and arts professionals. In 1979 Sandy
Nairne was appointed as the first international guest curator of the exhibition and this model
has continued since then. Through working with international guest curators, EVA
International aims to introduce them to Irish art and artists, while simultaneously introducing
Irish audiences to international art and artists.
In 1986 the Young EVA programme was introduced to develop younger audiences,
encouraging their engagement with and understanding of contemporary art. Young EVA has
been an integral aspect of EVA exhibitions since this time and is widely acknowledged as
being the first encounter that many future artists and arts professionals had with
contemporary art in Limerick.
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From 1994 to 2010, and alongside the selected “Open” exhibition, an “Invited” element of
exhibition was established during alternate years, where the guest curators invited artists to
participate in the programme. Additionally from 1997 until 2009 “Colloquies”, a series of
discursive events reflecting on the exhibition, was developed alongside the “Open” exhibition
during alternate years between “Invited” editions.
In 2011 the Arts Council initiated an organization review that resulted in EVA International
changing from an annual exhibition to a biennial.
Luc Deleu, “Construction X” as part of EVA International 2012
For further information about EVA International please see: www.eva.ie
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SEEKING DIRECTOR/CEO
EVA International is now seeking a new Director who, building on the success achieved by
outgoing Director Woodrow Kernohan, will lead and significantly grow the scale and ambition
of Ireland's Biennial. This is a unique opportunity to make a major contribution to the
development and vision of a leading international contemporary art exhibition as it moves
into its 40th year.
EVA International leads and champions the production, curation, commissioning and
exhibiting of contemporary art in Limerick and Ireland, supporting the creation of new work
by Irish and international artists. Currently working towards the 2018 and 2020 editions of
the biennial, EVA aims to strengthen its resources, build existing audiences and double its
overall audiences figures, making EVA a vital event on the national and international calendar.
The 2018 edition of EVA International will be curated by Inti Guerrero (Bogotá/Hong Kong)
and will take place from 14 April to 18 July 2018.
The new Director will have overall responsibility for all aspects of EVA International’s work,
including biennial programmes, finances, operations, communications, fundraising, and
representing the organization in diverse local, national and international contexts.
The Board of Directors is seeking to appoint an engaging leader with a deep understanding
of contemporary art practice whose capabilities include:
• Effectively building and leading the team towards the achievement of EVA’s
priorities.
• Managing the finances and resources of the organization.
• Developing a world-class sponsorship programme.
• Developing the awareness of EVA as an important cultural element of the national
and local tourism strategy – and significantly increasing its appeal to the general
public.
• Maintaining and increasing EVA’s success in attracting support from international
patrons and foundations.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title:
Reporting to:
Responsible for:
Hours of work:
Salary:
Holidays:
Location:
Director/CEO
Board of Directors
Guest Curators, General Manager, Communications Manager,
Administration Assistant, Education Assistant, Curatorial
Scholar, all temporary staff, freelance contractors, interns
and volunteers
40 hours per week including flexible working in relation to the
requirements of the position
€50,000 – €60,000 per annum, depending on experience
25 days, plus public holidays
EVA International offices and exhibition venues
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic:
• Driving the vision of EVA International, by managing its strategic development and
growth as Ireland's International Biennial of Contemporary Art.
• Developing and delivering the 2018 and 2020 editions of EVA International with the
aim of doubling overall audience figures to 200,000, and consolidating EVA as a vital
event on the national and international calendar.
• Developing EVA International as an important cultural element within the local,
national and international tourism strategy and greatly increasing awareness with
the general public.
• Creating increased resources to drive the vision of EVA International through
sponsorship programmes and other fundraising activities.
• Building, developing and maintaining effective relationships with strategic local,
national and international partner organizations, including maintaining and
developing EVA International's success in attracting support from international
trusts, foundations and patrons.
• Acting as an advocate for EVA International to external bodies, including funders,
policy makers and other groups.
• Devising and implementing a strategy for the EVA International archive as a research
resource.
Governance:
• Reporting to Board of Directors and Members at quarterly Board meetings and
AGM.
• Implementing Board of Directors' decisions.
• Ensuring effective communication between the Board of Directors, Members, team
and stakeholders.
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• Working with the Secretary and Board of Directors to ensure compliance with all
statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Working with Board of Directors to apply for charitable status.
Finance:
• Managing the finances and resources, ensuring long-term sustainability through
effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of operational and programme
budgets.
• Developing and implementing ongoing fundraising strategy.
• Working with Treasurer, Accountant, General Manager and Administration Assistant
to maintain effective accounting management systems.
• Liaising with Treasurer and Board of Directors on all financial matters, operating
within the constraints of the funding available.
• Working with the Guest Curator to prepare biennial exhibition budgets and
fundraising strategy, for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Working with the Treasurer, Accountant, General Manager and Administration
Assistant to ensure maintenance of financial records, regular reporting and
preparation of annual accounts for auditor.
• Presenting regular management accounts and financial reports to Board of
Directors, funders and key stakeholders.
Human Resources and Management:
• Providing strong and effective leadership to ensure delivery in line with EVA
International vision and goals.
• Ensuring effective communication throughout the organization.
• Managing team, including recruiting, appraising and supervising all staff, freelance
contractors, interns and volunteers.
• Line Management responsibility for Guest Curators, General Manager,
Communications Manager, Administration Assistant, Education Assistant,
Curatorial Scholar and other staff.
• Preparing reports as required by the Board of Directors or funding bodies.
• Working with Accountant and Administration Assistant to oversee payroll, including
PAYE, PRSI and USC contributions.
Programme:
• Working with the Board of Directors, Members and International Advisory Panel to
select and appoint biennial Guest Curators.
• Developing and overseeing the open call for artists' proposals and selection
process.
• Working with appointed Guest Curators to research, plan and realize biennial
programmes.
• Negotiating and securing temporary exhibition venues as appropriate.
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• Overseeing all aspects of developing and delivering biennial programme of
exhibitions and events.
• Devising and overseeing delivery of education and outreach programmes in
partnership with Limerick City Gallery of Art.
• Devising and overseeing delivery of interim programme of events in collaboration
with local partner organizations.
Marketing and Communication:
• Leading the development and maintenance of EVA International's strong brand
identity.
• Working with the Communications Manager and PR Agency to devise and
implement Marketing and Audience Development strategies that enhance EVA
International’s profile across all relevant sectors.
• Overseeing and being responsible for all marketing, communications and published
materials, including website and online profiles, to ensure that EVA International’s
vision and mission are effectively expressed.
• Commissioning, editing, contributing to and overseeing the publishing and
distribution of EVA International catalogues and publications.
Other
• Carry out other duties as reasonably requested by the Board of Directors.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
• A relevant third-level qualification, or equivalent professional experience in a related
discipline.
• Proven leadership experience in the cultural sector with effective people
management skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to contemporary art, with knowledge of Irish art and
artists an advantage.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience of team management and project delivery
process
• Confident networker, with a broad range of contacts including artists, curators,
gallerists, patrons and funders.
• Commitment to collaboration and partnership working.
• Ability to remain calm and find creative solutions while under pressure.
• Excellent judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify and pursue
opportunities.
• Financial literacy with the ability to set, monitor and evaluate budgets effectively.
• Experience of successfully fundraising through state bodies, trusts, foundations,
patrons and sponsorship.
• Entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to represent the
organization externally.
• Good understanding of marketing and communications, with experience of working
with PR agencies an advantage.
• Strong commitment to developing audiences through education and community
engagement programmes.
• Ability to commit to flexible working hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to commit to Limerick, willingness to live in or close to the City.
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HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send:
• Comprehensive CV
• Maximum two page covering letter that describing your interest in this role and how
you fulfil the criteria of the position.
• Contact details of two referees (who would only be contacted if shortlisted).
Send application materials to:
Closing date:
Interviews:
[email protected]
Monday 13 February 2017 at 12pm (GMT)
Week starting 27 February 2017
Please contact [email protected] if you have any further questions and we look forward to
receiving your application.
!
Hugh Murray
Chair
EVA International – Ireland’s Biennial
Limerick City Gallery of Art,
Pery Square, Limerick, Ireland
www.eva.ie | [email protected]
EVA International Biennial of Visual Art CLG
Company Number: 51048
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TEAM STRUCTURE (2016)
AR
N
IO
CH
T
BI
IV
HI
E
EX
INTERNS
CURATOR
16%
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
ONGOING
ADVISORS
MEMBERS
DIRECTOR
/CEO
CURATORIAL
SCHOLAR
ITE
COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
ACCOUNTANT
FIXED
CONTRACT
INT
BS
WE
GENERAL
MANAGER
ADMIN
ASSISTANT
PR
CURATORIAL
ASSISTANT
PART-TIME
FUNDRAISING
VOLUNTARY
COMMUNICATIONS
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FUNDING MIX (2016)
16%
12%
48%
12%
6%
6%
EVA 2016 Funding Mix
Arts Council
€388,500
Sponsorship
€130,500
International Funding
€99,601
National Funding
€96,500
Artistic Income
€48,592
Non-Artistic Income
€44,708
€808,401
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