Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum (registered charity, no. 306288) is Bournemouth’s unique and unrivalled arts attraction by the sea; a captivating, immersive and living expression of the power of love for people, place and art from around the world.

The exuberant late-Victorian sea-front villa was built by the Bournemouth hotelier and art collector Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday present for his wife Annie. The rooms are filled with the Russell-Cotes’ collection of contemporary British paintings and sculpture and the artefacts amassed from their extensive foreign travels. The Victorian garden remains a seaside haven. The relationship between the internationally significant collections, Listed II* house and the garden makes the RCAGM of exceptional international value.

The museum’s governance is changing to be: fully independent; with strategic agency over its direction of travel based on the best interests of its collections and audiences; able to generate income from new sources. As we enter this exciting new phase we are seeking exceptional individuals to join the Board of a new incorporated entity, RCAGM Sole Trustee Ltd, that will provide strong and effective leadership for the future. RCAGM Sole Trustee Ltd’ will slip into the shoes of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and replace it as sole trustee of the registered charity.

These new Directors will join an experienced team with three who have been key players in the existing governance arrangements and in the transition. Together the Directors will provide oversight and strategic leadership: ensuring that there is a clear strategy, effective operation, financially security. The Directors will ensure that legal and other obligations are met and that there is proper accountability to those with an interest or a ‘stake’ in this unique institution.

Additional information: 

Number of meetings per annum/time commitment:

The new entity’s Directors will work collectively as a Board and take decisions at formal board meetings. These will usually take place four times per year, either online or at the museum in Bournemouth. Additionally, Directors may be asked to join sub-committees or working groups focusing on particular areas of the museum’s strategy, which will involve attending a small number of additional meetings.

Daytime or evening meetings: To be agreed

Closing date for applications:      1 July 2024

Contact details or web link for applicants to find out more:

Interested? For a Board recruitment pack including full information and the link to the application form please visit: https://russellcotes.com/board-recruitment/