About Amber Film & Photography Collective CIC
Amber Film & Photography Collective came together in 1968 and moved to North East England the following year. It has documented the lives and landscapes of the region’s working class and marginalised communities ever since. In 1977 it opened Side Gallery & Cinema, venues dedicated to showing the best in humanist documentary photography and film. The AmberSide Collection holds over 20,000 photographs and 100 films. It has grown out of the work the group has produced, commissioned, supported and shown over the past 50 years. Film and photographic works produced by the collective were recognised by UNESCO in their UK Memory of the World Register in 2011.
There is a lack of representation of ordinary lives and people – especially those who identify as working class and those from marginalised and diverse communities. Their stories and culture – from the mundane to the extraordinary – are not showcased, shared and celebrated by the world. That is what Amber Film & Photography Collective is here to challenge.
As a film and photography collective, we place working-class, marginalised and diverse communities front and centre – they are who we create work with. Through our archive, education and production departments, we preserve, engage and co-create new work. Through Side Gallery & Cinema and our website, we share the stories we produce making them accessible to all.
Amber is currently a proud National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England and also benefits from significant annual support from Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund (NCIF) and The Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Seeking Non-Executive Directors
Amber Film & Photography Collective was reconstituted as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2010. Following a recent organisational and governance consultation and review, we have decided to recruit a number of Non-Executive Directors, to join the current board of Executive Directors in steering Amber to a successful and sustainable future.
As a Board Member, you’ll be part of a passionate and dedicated team delivering a unique cultural offer to the public, through Side Gallery & Cinema, the AmberSide Collection, and by creating opportunities for people to experience the transformational power of the documentary art form.
We place great value in expanding the number of appointed Directors to both scrutinise the work and funding allocation of the organisation as well as providing guidance on how we set and safeguard delivery.
It is our desire to have a diverse and innovative board with a wide range of relevant experience, age and representation and we have created a job specification on this basis. During the current climate, we envisage the board meetings to be held remotely and therefore welcome applicants both locally and nationally.
We are looking to appoint the following positions;
- Non Executive Director
- Non-Executive Director (Finance)
Non-Executive Director : Requirements
Applicants must have a passion for arts and culture and have worked in a meaningful / influential and /or strategic role within their sector. No previous board experience is required.
Your expertise may include;
- Leadership of ACE National Portfolio Organisation or similar Arts Leader
- Practicing artist in documentary film or photography
- Community engagement or leadership
- Digital Technology and development
- Arts Funding or Fundraising
- Museum and Archive
- Education
- Private or Public Sector leadership
Non-Executive Director (Finance) : Requirements
This position will provide oversight on our financial health and take an interest in the development and implementation of financial management policies. In this critical role you will provide advice, support, scrutiny and guidance to the Executive Directors and Finance Administrator.
We welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in the Arts and Heritage sectors but will also equally consider applicants with senior level experience of financial management, who are passionate about what we do.
Both positions are unpaid and will require attendance at quarterly board meetings (virtual). A stipend of £200 per meeting will be offered to cover travel costs where appropriate, as well as meeting time. We are committed to the Creative Case for Diversity and we welcome applications from those who reflect the diverse nature of the local communities we serve.
To apply send CV alongside a short covering document to bryan.dixon@amber-online.com citing Amber Non-Executive Director or Amber Non-Executive Director (Finance) and set out how you meet the above criteria and how you feel you can help shape the future vision Amber Film & Photography Collective. Closing Date January 18th, 2021.
If you would like any further information prior to your application please contact laura.laffler@amber-online.com
