News

Creative Exchange Artist Studios are a small, artist studio space, who have been active in East Belfast for over 25 years.  We are currently seeking Board members, at least one of whom should have the financial skills and abilities to take on the role of Treasurer.  

The ideal candidates should have 

• a strong financial background - experience in financial accounting (Treasurer role only)

• Proven record of successful fundraising (through funding applications or other)

• Experience of working collaboratively in a small team

• Commitment to the advancement of artists and the art sector

If this sounds like the role for you 

Please send the following: 

• a brief, current CV 

• a short statement setting out how you meet the skills and experience required for the role of Trustee (please include specific finance criteria for the Treasurer role) and your reasons for wishing to be a board member at Creative Exchange

• the names and contact details of 2 referees. We will only seek references from applicants who we propose to appoint to the Board.

Completed applications should be sent to creativeexchangeartists@gmail.com  

Please write “Board Member Application” in the subject line.

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The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday 20th January 2023.  

Please note: if you submit an application to join the Board you will be confirming that you...

1. have read and understand the role of a member of a charity board, as set out on the Charity Commission website: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc3.aspx

2. are not subject to any of the following - an undischarged bankruptcy; an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty; a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986; or a removal from trusteeship of a charity by the Court or the Commissioners for misconduct or mismanagement;

3. would be available to attend Quarterly Board meetings (usually evenings) and to undertake any Board member training;

4. are not employed by or working in any capacity for Creative Exchange

5. understand that the term of office is normally for 3 years but a member can resign at any stage or be removed from office by the Board.

About Creative Exchange

Creative Exchange was established by a group of artists in East Belfast in 1996 and in the intervening years has contributed to the history, culture, economy and creativity of its locality. Creative Exchange seeks to provide affordable working space for the artistic community, particularly in East Belfast, whilst providing a programme of opportunities for artists to prioritise their practice, develop professionally, engage with communities, raise both individual and collective profiles, and contribute to the infrastructure in East Belfast and beyond – regionally, nationally and internationally. ​Creative Exchange receives core funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The organisation is a member of Arts & Business Northern Ireland. Creative Exchange Artists' Studios is a registered charity, charity number: 101590.  

2022/2023

In the coming year, Creative Exchange will be exploring potential opportunities to expand the membership and activities of the organisation with a view to improving onsite facilities at our location in Portview Trade Centre, Newtownards.  As an established tenant of Portview, Creative Exchange is currently working with the site manager and architects to co-design an artist studio space with the front elevation on the Newtownards Road.  Funding has been secured to develop a new Business Plan and to explore new possibilities for the organisation.

​Board Member Role 

Board Members are required to:

• meet quarterly, usually in East Belfast 

• volunteer time as required – attending events, contributing skills 

• work closely with a part time Studio Manager

• Provide financial oversight by assisting and working with the Studio Manager to monitor financial controls

• Identify and assist with completion of funding applications

• monitor Creative Exchange performance against agreed objectives as laid out by Arts Council of Northern Ireland

• ensure compliance with guidelines and reporting from Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC and other relevant bodies

• act as advocates (particularly in East Belfast) to enhance the organisation’s public profile by promoting Creative Exchange’s mission, achievements and goals

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