JOIN THE TEAM!
Are you interested in joining the Board of Pittenweem Arts Festival?
As Scotland’s longest-running and largest community-based visual arts festival, we’re seeking new board members to bring fresh ideas, skills and perspectives to our fifth decade. Our current board members offer a diverse range of expertise from commercial, local community and creative arts backgrounds. These new opportunities arise from succession planning.
We’re a not-for-profit Scottish charity and depend on the experience and contributions of our board members to deliver a successful event each year.
While prior board experience isn’t necessary, openness to different viewpoints and a willingness to share ideas and perspectives are important. You’ll also need to be prepared to contribute to the practical work required to deliver the festival.
We’re particularly interested in individuals with the following skillsets:
- Fundraising
- Business Development
- Human Resource Management
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing
- Legal Compliance
About the Pittenweem Arts Festival
Founded in 1982 by a small group of resident artists in Pittenweem, the Festival has grown from a modest start to become Scotland’s largest community-based arts event. Attracting around 20,000 visitors each summer, its primary goal is to advance public arts education through an annual festival and related activities. In 2010, the festival acquired the former Fife Council Office at 47 High Street, which now serves as its office and gallery space. As a not-for-profit registered charity regulated by the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR), we are dedicated to supporting the arts.
The festival takes place throughout the village in the first week of August each year. Over 130 artists, both local and from across Scotland, participate, exhibiting their work. Participants pay a registration fee and rent a venue, primarily houses but also some unique spaces. The popular Open Art Exhibition provides a platform for aspiring and established artists to showcase their pieces. Additionally, the Pittenweem Arts Festival Henderson Bursary Award aims to support emerging artists.
The festival currently incurs over £100,000 per annum in costs. Approximately half of this is spent on infrastructure like car parking, additional toilets and refuse bins. The remainder covers advertising, brochure printing and staff salaries. We are self-funded through artists’ registration fees, car park donations, brochure sales and income from various events and fundraising activities throughout the year. Temporary staff are employed as needed during the festival, including car park stewards, gallery assistants and those working in the Festival Office.
The economic benefits to Fife, particularly Pittenweem, are substantial. Annual visitor spending in Fife is estimated at over £1.8 million, encompassing accommodation, café and restaurant meals and, of course, Festival purchases.
The Board’s responsibilities, skills and experience requirements are outlined below
Beyond the standard statutory and fiduciary duties of all Boards, the Festival Board has a specific mandate to organise, manage and deliver a successful event. As a Trustee of the charity, you will also serve as a company director under the Companies Acts.
Our Board comprises a Company Secretary, a Treasurer and a Chair, all elected annually from among the Board members. The Trustees possess diverse skills and experiences, including marketing and sales, human resources, legal, finance, administration and exhibition preparation. Regardless of your prior experience and interests, you’ll find a valuable contribution to make. The festival is a large-scale complex event, and all Board members’ skills and backgrounds are essential for its successful execution. All Board members are expected to have a passion for the arts in Scotland. It’s beneficial for Board members to be based locally, allowing them to understand the practical issues facing the village and surrounding area. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience in fundraising, sponsorship or digital technology.
Time Commitment
The Board meets approximately ten times a year, combining face-to-face and online sessions. These monthly meetings typically last up to two hours and board members are expected to attend and contribute to the preparatory planning throughout the year to ensure the festival’s success.
Board members are committed to a minimum of three years of service. Applicants should carefully consider their ability to meet this commitment before applying. Board membership is unpaid but reasonable expenses like travel related to duties will be reimbursed.
To apply
The application process involves submitting an email application with a 500-word covering letter explaining your suitability for a board role and a current CV to Carolyn McNeish at carolyn@pittenweemarts.com
If you’d like to discuss the role further before applying, please contact Carolyn McNeish at carolyn@pittenweemarts.com
Suitable candidates will be invited to a meeting with two board members.
Applications close on 30th November 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you.
