Artistic Director & Co-CEO

Platform Arts, based in Djilang / Geelong is looking for our next Artistic Director & Co-CEO to help lead the delivery of our 2025 - 2028 strategy.

About Platform Arts

Platform Arts, based on Wadawurrung Country in Djilang/Geelong, focuses on the development of artistic practice and ideas, leading to the presentation of these ideas as contemporary arts experiences. We curate a multi-artform program of exhibitions, performances, publications and events that respond to themes and provocations we believe are urgent for our times. 

Our artistic program is underpinned by a rigorous artist development framework that

incorporates arts laboratories, residencies, mentorship, professional development and artist-led training. We evolve this support in response to the need for accessible opportunities that sustain arts careers outside of Australia’s capital cities. 

We are committed to developing artistic practice that will sustain practitioners throughout the lifetime of their career, and to fostering a local arts ecology that connects and contributes to a global artistic discourse. We partner with leading arts organisations, programs and festivals to provide additional presentation opportunities for our artists and to strengthen the impact of our development and advocacy work. Locally, our support of contemporary practice fosters the growth of regional contemporary arts audiences. 

Platform Arts delivered on the goals and key measures outlined in its 2022-24 strategic plan, maintaining financial sustainability, developing new strategic partnerships, and growing audience and artist engagement exponentially during this time. We go into the 2025-28 strategic plan in a strong fiscal and organisational position, having secured multi-year funding through Creative Australia’s multi-arts practice stream. This trajectory of growth, supported by healthy financial reserves and a consistent budget surplus puts us in a strong position to extend the impact of our work to audiences and artists.

Platform Arts is uniquely positioned, in the primely located Geelong Arts Precinct, to become a crucial hub for contemporary arts making and presentation. Our small, dedicated team brings substantial experience as well as national and international industry connections that are highly beneficial to nurturing and championing our region’s arts community.

VISION

Where art leads.

PURPOSE

Championing contemporary arts practice through artist development, continuous dialogue, and the presentation of new works to diverse audiences.

VALUES

Leadership

We are leaders in creative risk and experimentation, supporting artists to challenge conventions and develop bold works that deliver exceptional audience experiences. We strive to expand our community and strengthen the culture of our city through connection with individuals and organisations. We nourish a strong collective of staff, artists and peers that informs our programs and outcomes, promoting leadership through capable, connected and visionary artists and arts workers.

Advocacy

We are respectful, tolerant and inclusive. We make space, support and create opportunities for diverse voices, and for those who might not otherwise have access to creative pathways. We advocate for and with artists and arts workers. We provide a platform for professional growth and practice, encourage and enable all Platform Arts participants to contribute to the region’s arts and culture offer. 

Accountability

We are a highly accountable and ethical organisation with best practice governance. We value transparency, loyalty and impartiality in everything we do. Our board represents leaders from diverse professional backgrounds, who support staff in building a strong organisation that prioritises sustainability and wellbeing in working conditions for staff, artists and our community.  

Artistic Director & Co-CEO position

Reports to: Platform Arts Board 

Works alongside: Executive Director & Co-CEO 

Direct Reports: Senior Curator, Performance Producer, YOOKAPA Curator

Hours: 0.8 pro rata (4 days per week) 

Remuneration: $84,968 (pro rata), plus 11.5% superannuation to 30 June, 12% superannuation from 01 July, 2025 

About the role

The Artistic Director & Co-CEO is a key leadership role at Platform Arts, responsible for driving the artistic direction for the organisation; initiating and delivering an annual artistic program of activities including: exhibitions, performances, public programs and artist development. 

They will have the opportunity to lead a period of tremendous growth for the organisation, with the commencement of multi-year funding through Creative Australia in 2025 supporting organisational and program expansion. They will play a key role in industry collaborations, organisational strategy and supporting the delivery of an engaging, diverse and critically rigorous artistic program.

The Artistic Director & Co-CEO will steer the organisation in a collaborative leadership framework alongside the Executive Director & Co-CEO, that champions creativity, experimentation, cultural advocacy, sustainability, access and leadership. Together they will lead regular review and ongoing delivery of the organisation’s vision, strategy and activities – with the implementation of the 2025–2028 strategic plan including the first opportunity for the new Artistic Director to guide the vision and strategy for Platform Arts. 

Core Responsibilities and Deliverables

Artistic Programming 

• In partnerships with the Executive Director & Co-CEO, deliver on the 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan
• Develop, curate and oversee a leading program of contemporary works with consideration to mechanisms to ensure diverse representation of works and collaborators.
• Develop and oversee the delivery of public programs, including artist and curator talks, symposiums, field trips, workshops and offsite events
• Develop and implement artist development programs, including Platform LAB,  publishing initiatives, exchange and visitor programs locally and internationally, and research initiatives with national and international institutions
• Ensure the program is developed and delivered to the highest standards, and will enliven debate and address the change conditions of practices, and that respects and supports artists 
• Ensure the artistic program provides Platform Arts audiences with a deep engagement with contemporary art practice 
• Shape Platform Arts role in: 
• Propelling the careers of Geelong and Australian contemporary artists 
• Raising awareness of and critically engaging with art and artists across the globe 
• Championing the diversity of Australia cultural life through artistic programming
• Establish and maintain relationships with individuals, networks and organisation to enable partnerships that will enhance Platform Arts programs 
• Ensure the artistic program is managed within the available staffing and budget resources 

Artist Development & Studio Program

• Develop and implement a 12-month studio program of local artists whose practices are innovative, will benefit from studio supports, and who will collaborate to build a creative and cooperative community at Platform Arts 
• Grow and promote awareness of the Studio Program to build its profile and value in the sector 
• Build strong relationships and engagement with studio sponsors and donors
• Secure ongoing funding for the Platform Lab program, including Neighbourhood and YOOKAPA
• Develop national and international partnerships to support Lab exchange programs for artists and curators
• Support the advancement and development of arts practice for Lab participants, seeking opportunities for exhibition, professional development, commissioning and research outcomes

Financial & Sponsorship  

• In collaboration with the Executive Director & Co-CEO, lead the organisation’s annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning and investment strategy 
• Manage program budgets
• In collaboration with the Executive Director & Co-CEO and staff; identify and contribute to the development of funding activities, including: 
• Multi-year funding submissions 
• Project grants 
• Philanthropy 
• Fundraising campaigns 
• In collaboration with the Executive Director & Co-CEO, implement funding strategies to provide the operational and capital funding to deliver the strategic plan outcomes 
• Research and develop funding applications to support the artistic program 

Human Resources Management 

• Make high-level contributions to the strategic direction of Platform Arts
• Lead a culture where staff at all levels can contribute to strategy and organisational leadership
• Oversee programming staff, supporting professional development opportunities and the successful implementation of work 
• Oversee and be responsible for compliant HR systems including on‑boarding of staff, administration, performance review processes and evaluation processes
• Attend Board meetings including taking minutes as required

Organisational Leadership 

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with the Board and Executive Director & Co-CEO, which enable collaboration and dual leadership across the organisation. 
• Maintain funding relationships with local, state and federal government 
• Maintain an extensive network and a Platform Arts voice among the arts community and aligned organisations, maintaining an understanding of the current needs of artists and the small-medium arts sector
• Contribute along with the Executive Director & Co-CEO in Government and political advocacy 
• In collaboration with the Executive Director & Co-CEO: 
• Contribute to the strategic and budget planning process 
• Establish effective working relationships with all internal stakeholders 
• Demonstrate effective leadership and management of the Platform Arts team 
• Undertake a personalised professional development program 
• Other duties as agreed with the Board and Executive Director & Co-CEO, acknowledging that jobs evolve to meet the changing needs of the arts environment, and this document is an overview and not intended to represent the role performed in perpetuity

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Professional experience as a performing arts producer and/or Artistic Director of a contemporary arts organisation or festival.  
• Demonstrated capability to formulate, articulate and implement a curatorial vision and translate it into reality through leadership, authority, judgement, and flexibility.  
• Extensive knowledge of and networks within the Australian experimental arts sector.  
• Strong communication and relationship management skills with experience working collaboratively with boards, artists, funding bodies and external partners.  
• Ability to conduct negotiations to achieve positive solutions.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and collaborate with a small team, building working relationships based on trust and integrity.  
• Proven ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic and constantly changing environment.  
• Ability to plan, produce, manage, and deliver complex projects with multiple stakeholders.  
• Track record in securing and acquitting government grants.