Artistic Director

Carlow Arts Festival is seeking an experienced and inspiring arts worker to become the festival's Artistic Director & CEO and lead the organisation for the next four years. This is a visionary leadership role to shape the artistic programme, nurture partnerships, and strengthen the festival's position as a vital force in the Irish cultural calendar.

The festival is a cornerstone of Ireland's cultural life, a multi-disciplinary event held each June in Carlow town. Founded in 1979 as Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, it has grown into a major, strategically funded festival supported by the Arts Council. It welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually and presents a programme spanning visual art, theatre, dance, circus, spectacle, music, film, and literature, while remaining rooted in its community and accessible to all.

The Artistic Director & CEO will provide both creative and executive leadership, balancing artistic ambition with financial sustainability. The role involves leading the artistic vision, working closely with the Board, staff, funders, and stakeholders to ensure the festival thrives and inspires into the future. This is an exceptional opportunity for a cultural leader to guide the organisation into its next chapter. Please see the attached job pack for information on key criteria, remuneration, and how to apply.

• Lead the artistic programme and strategy for the festival, balancing creative ambition with financial sustainability.
• Provide creative and executive leadership; work with the Board, staff, funders, and stakeholders.
• Develop and nurture partnerships to support the festival's growth and impact.
• Ensure high-quality, accessible programming across disciplines (visual art, theatre, dance, circus, spectacle, music, film, and literature).
• Lead fundraising, budgeting, and financial planning in collaboration with the organisation.
• Represent the festival publicly and strengthen its profile within Ireland's cultural calendar.

• Proven track record in arts leadership or cultural organisation management.
• Strong strategic vision for a multi-disciplinary arts festival.
• Experience in fundraising, financial management, and stakeholder relationship building.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and team leadership skills.
• Ability to work with the Board, staff, funders, and community partners to deliver ambitious programmes.

For more information including applicant criteria and remuneration, please visit the job page: https://www.carlowartsfestival.ie/whats-on/news/job-vacancy and contact details for inquiries are provided there. Any questions regarding the role may be directed to Andy at andy@carowartsfestival.ie.

Direct message the job poster via the Carlow Arts Festival site if needed.

• Seniority level: Executive
• Employment type: Contract
• Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
• Industries: Entertainment