Join Firstdraft's Board
In 2024, Firstdraft’s leadership has evolved to increase organisational sustainability and align more effectively with the changing needs of our community. These strategic changes have been rooted in the extensive experiences of numerous Board members and dedicated staff over Firstdraft's nearly four-decade history. Their collective contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping Firstdraft into a leading arts organisation that champions early-career artists and experimental practices.
Some important shifts include solidifying artist voices in decision-making by implementing an artist advisory committee, and extending Board terms to 3 years to allow for greater retention of institutional knowledge. With these changes now embedded within our organisational structure, we are looking to bring on skilled individuals to help guide Firstdraft and affirm our position as Australia’s leading platform for the future of contemporary art.
Moving into 2025, we are looking for four new Board members who can contribute to Firstdraft’s governance, leadership, fundraising, development, education and public programming initiatives, capital planning, and/or finance management.
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals who can guide Firstdraft with great care and consideration during this exciting time.
For artists and creative and cultural leaders who would like to participate in shaping Firstdraft’s program we encourage you to apply for our Artist Advisory Committee.
image credit: Lisa Kurtz, untitled, 2024. Firstdraft, Sydney. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Jessica Maurer
About Firstdraft
Firstdraft is where the future of contemporary art emerges, through a program that champions experimentation, risk and inclusion. Established in 1986, and currently located in Woolloomooloo, on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, Firstdraft presents a range of onsite and online programs that further critical ideas and practices in contemporary art across exhibition-making, publishing, residencies, public programs, live events, and First Peoples-led programs. Firstdraft supports artistic experimentation at all levels — from early-career artists presenting their first exhibition, to more established practitioners testing new ideas and ways of working.
Firstdraft is a not-for-profit organisation that embeds principles of accessibility, diversity and inclusivity across its program and operations to promote creativity within a supportive and professional environment.
Learn about our current Board Members below
About the Board
The Firstdraft Board consists of a group of 5 - 7 Members each serving a three-year term. As a Board Member, you will become an ambassador for one of Australia’s leading arts organisations championing early-career and experimental practices.
The Board is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance oversight and financial stewardship. The position involves active participation in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, fostering financial sustainability through effective fundraising and managing key stakeholder relationships. Board Members make decisions collaboratively and work together with our staff to conceptualise and implement the many and varied activities of Firstdraft. We value empathy, honesty, integrity, diligence and an ethical approach to governance, strategy and decision-making. Programming and the day-to-day operations of Firstdraft is led by staff, alongside independent committees and advisory groups, with guidance from the Board. The Board make-up includes at least 50% creative and cultural practitioners from all career stages. Board Membership is voluntary (unpaid).
We are looking for leaders who possess the drive to take Firstdraft forward – who represent its interests and vision, and who can articulate and facilitate its future. For more information please review the position description below:
If this sounds like you, please consider the following questions:
Introduction: Who are you and what are your interests? (200 words)
This question is designed to get to know you as a person, your professional and/or creative background, and where your interests are, both inside and outside of the arts.
Skills & Experience: What can you contribute to Firsdraft, and how do you see Firsdraft contributing to your practice and/or career? (200 words)
This question is asking what skills you have that would be beneficial to a Firstdraft leadership position, which could range from governance knowledge or financial management understanding, to lived experience or professional background.
Organisation: What is it about Firstdraft that interests you? (100 words)
This question is looking at your specific interest in being involved in the growth and development of Firstdraft as an organisation.
To Apply:
Please submit your EOI to Board Chair, Augusta Supple via email at augusta@firstdraft.org.au. We ask that you submit responses to the above questions and a CV in the following format to by 10:00 am, Monday 9 December 2024:
a single page PDF answering the three EOI questions and a single page PDF CV.