esea contemporary is seeking new trustees to oversee the strategic direction and governance of the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.
We are particularly keen to recruit individuals with expertise in fundraising, legal, cultural strategy, marketing, public relations, or HR.
If your background is in any of these fields, and you have a passion for culture and an interest in contemporary visual art, we would love to hear from you — whether you have prior experience as a trustee, or are looking for your first trustee role.
This is an incredibly exciting time to become involved with esea contemporary following our relaunch and rebrand in early 2023 after an organisational revisioning process.
Please submit a CV and a cover letter detailing your interest in joining the board of esea contemporary and outlining what you can contribute to the role. For further information about this opportunity, please refer to the Trustee Recruitment Pack. Kindly send your application to board@eseacontemporary.org. We welcome any questions regarding this opportunity via email to the same address.
Responsible for: Operations, Finance, Commercial, Legal, Human Resources
Salary: £36,000
Benefits: 3% employer pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme
Contract: Two-year fixed-term contract, with potential for extension
Location: Manchester,UK
Hours of work: 5 days per week (37.5 hours). Some evening and/or weekend working required
Reports to: Director
Application deadline: 5th January 2026, 09.00
Interview dates: We are interviewing for this post on a rolling basis and expect interviews to be completed by 30th January 2026. We may close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate, therefore we would advise interested parties to make their applications as soon as possible.
Contact: hr@eseacontemporary.org
esea contemporary is currently seeking a highly motivated and driven Head of Operations to work closely with the Director in the strategic management and operations of the organisation. The Head of Operations will play a key role in delivering effective procedures for operations management, finance, commercial affairs, legal matters, and human resources for the organisation.
The role will work closely with and report to the Director in the management of operational, financial, commercial, legal and HR-related procedures for esea contemporary. The role will be aligned with the organisation’s sustainability goals, which involves coordinating operational and financial planning, overseeing maintenance, and compliance, and leading the Finance Manager and Operations teams to maintain a high standard of operational efficiency. The Head of Operations will also support the Director in robust business development, including fundraising, trading activity, and nurturing sponsorships.
Download the Recruitment Pack below to apply.
This is an incredibly exciting time to join the team as a volunteer. We are looking for volunteers to bring the gallery to life as we get ready to open our upcoming exhibition and programme.
Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people, and develop new skills and knowledge. Get behind the scenes and gain experience working for a unique contemporary art space in the centre of Manchester.
Register your interest in volunteering with us