International open call: new director

Centro per l’arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci in Prato is the first purposely built Italian museum entirely devoted to research, collect, preserve, and promote the whole range of contemporary creativity: visual arts, cinema, music, video, performing arts, architecture, design, literature and fashion. 

Centro Pecci’s mission is to engage the larger public with all manifestations of contemporary artistic expressions as a way to interpret the complexities of our current world.

Since its opening in 1988, the Centre has hosted more than 250 major events, including ground-breaking exhibitions, performances and installations. The permanent collection holds more than 1,000 items, representing trends in the most diverse contemporary art forms, from the 1960s to present. The current facilities are the result of the first building project by Italo Gamberini and the futuristic expansion designed by Maurice Nio which was inaugurated in 2016. The structure boats 3,000 square meters of exhibition space and 15 square meters of service-oriented space (cinema, education space, conference halls, library and archives, storage, conservation lab, a fine dining restaurant and a casual bistro as well as an outdoor theatre with 900 seats).

The Board of Directors of Centro Pecci are now seeking an exceptional candidate to join the organization in the role of Director, to work with Trustees to develop and deliver an ambitious strategy that builds on past success. The Board are seeking to develop a vision that is focused on growth, audience development, an increased focus on digital and that takes further advantage of fundraising opportunities. The postholder will demonstrate an excellent knowledge of contemporary art, will have a track record in museum operations and management and will possess excellent commercial acumen.

The Director reports to the Chair and the Board of Trustees. The Director is responsible for a staff of 25 fulltime equivalents. 

The Director is the Chief Executive of Centro Pecci with the following key responsibilities: 
–Providing leadership for all aspects of Centro Pecci working with Trustees to set the future strategic direction and with staff to deliver these objectives; 
–Leading the operational management and direction of Centro Pecci and its resources including staff, finances, its venue and collections as well as the commercial activities including the shop, Bistro and events; 
–Supporting excellent delivery Centro Pecci’s community and education programme; 
–Ensuring Centro Pecci’s financial success and sustainability, including maximising income, controlling expenditure and fundraising; 
–Nurturing and extending Centro Pecci’s external relationships with its community, including its visitors, supporters, funding bodies, artists and exhibitors, related or neighbouring organisations and the public at large; 
–Deepening and developing current and new partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, local, national and international, that connect with Centro Pecci’s objectives; 
–Ensuring that in all its activities, Centro Pecci satisfies best modern corporate governance practice, particularly in relation to finance, human resources, and the accountability and transparency of its activities generally.

The role will be based at Centro Pecci in Prato. 

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Centro Pecci on this appointment. Candidates should apply for this role through the website using code PARAMA.

Click on the “apply” button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form. 

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, November 5, 2021.

For more information on the person specification required, download the file presenting the appointment brief at this link.