Croeso – Welcome
Thank you for your interest in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
2024 has been a year of active change for the Eisteddfod. Recovering from the pandemic and working in difficult economic times, we are on track with our ambition to sustain and grow the Eisteddfod as a major cultural event in Wales, presenting a diverse programme of national and international significance.
It’s an exciting time to join the Eisteddfod, where 78 years of tradition meets an evolving cultural landscape, with the opportunity for talented individuals to join a committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers creating its next phase of impact and success.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Diolch yn fawr.
Prof. Chris Adams, Chair/Cadeirydd
About Us
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, established in 1947, adapts the traditional form of the Welsh Eisteddfod as the basis for shaping an international festival that believes in creating beneficial connections and understanding through bringing people together to share in music and dance. Since 1947 some 400,000 singers and dancers representing over 140 countries and cultures have enjoyed the annual Eisteddfod week of competitions in the Dee Valley; our concerts have featured the greatest talents of Wales and the world, from Alicia Markova to Luciano Pavarotti to Tom Jones. The Eisteddfod was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, and is identified by the Welsh Government as one of its flagship festivals promoting the vision of a Wales which cares for the well-being of future generations.
The current economic climate for festivals in the UK is very challenging. To recover from the pandemic, the Eisteddfod has taken bold steps like partnering with Cuffe and Taylor to co-promote high profile concerts. As well as building a compelling creative programme for the annual Eisteddfod week, we are also working on assembling a year round arts programme for the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen.
Our 12 trustees use their knowledge, skills and connections to work together and with our artistic director, our small staff and our large team of volunteers to steer the Eisteddfod to future success. While the festival sprang initially from the Llangollen township and remains firmly rooted in that community, we have partners across the cultural, peace and heritage communities of Wales, the UK and the world.
After a successful and transformative festival in 2024, hosting over 3000 competitors from more than 30 countries, and working with organisations including Academi Heddwch Cymru, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Rotary International and the Arts Council of Wales in programmes like Connect and Flourish , we are seeking to continue our journey as a leading peace organisation, creating new understandings and changing attitudes through music and dance as our contribution to building a world culture of peace.
About you
We are inviting applications from people who want to join our Board of Trustees, and make a positive difference. We are looking to appoint three trustees to keep our Board at the full capacity of 12 Trustees allowed by our articles. We are particularly looking to appoint Trustees with senior expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Charity law and/or company law, especially regarding incorporated charities
- Business development, especially in the arts.
- Financial management
- Fundraising
- Development of creative or societal programmes relating to peace and humanitarian values
- Marketing, especially in relation to arts events and the use of digital marketing
We would value applications from people who can contribute in the above areas and also have relevant experience in the Welsh or International arts worlds, have prior experience as a charity trustee or working with a volunteer organisations, and/or who are fluent in spoken and written Welsh.
The role of our Trustees
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is an incorporated charity. The trustee role combines the duty of responsible government of the charitable organisation with being a director of the associated limited-by-guarantee company. The current economic climate for festivals in the UK is very challenging and the Eisteddfod is not immune from these difficulties. The trustees work with a small dedicated staff, the Artistic Director, and a large number of committed volunteers. The trustees have their duties as governors of the charity (below) and may also support or potentially lead in certain keys areas of policy development, corporate administration and event delivery
As a minimum, a Trustee is expected to attend monthly Board meetings (either in person in Llangollen, or virtually) throughout the year, to attend general meetings (at least two per year) and the annual Eisteddfod week each July. Trustees may be invited to join Board Subcommittee meetings or Executive meetings subject to delegation from the Board.
Our normal term for Trustee appointment is 3-years, renewable for two additional terms. So the maximum possible length of service is 9 years.
How to apply
If you would like to discover in confidence more about the Trustee role, what it entails what is expected, and the context of the Eisteddfod, please reach out by email to – Eisteddfod Chair Prof Chris Adams- chair@llangollen.net before October 8, 2024.to arrange a telephone or zoom call
To apply, please send a short curriculum vitae and your expression of interest to recruitment@llangollen.net. The expression of interest should answer the following points in no more than 300 words:-
- Why would you like to become a trustee for Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod?
- Your experience in the priority areas that we have identified as important to our Board at this time
- What personal qualities would you bring to the Board?
Also please attach a recent photograph
We welcome applications in English or Welsh. The deadline for applications is October 12, 2024.
Trustee Election Process
The applications will be reviewed by the Governance Subcommittee of the Board for suitability and eligibility, and a recommendation will be made to the Board. All applications that satisfy this due diligence requirement will be presented for consideration by company members at a general meeting of the Eisteddfod on October 30, 2024. Applicants do not have to attend this meeting in person. To comply with our articles, candidates who are not already company members of the Eisteddfod will be invited to complete membership forms before the general meeting.
The details of candidates and the election process will be posted on the Eisteddfod website on October 9, two weeks before the general meeting. Successful candidates will be admitted as trustees at the end of the general meeting.
Key Trustee Responsibilities
- As part of the Board, to ensure that the Eisteddfod and its representatives operate within the legal and regulatory framework of the charity sector and in line with the organisation’s governing documents.
- As part of the Board, to determine the overall direction and development of the Eisteddfod through good governance and robust strategic planning.
- To lead the development and implementation of policy and strategy for one or more aspects of the Eisteddfod.
- To use your knowledge and expertise to the benefit of the Eisteddfod, representing the organisation and supporting Eisteddfod activities touching your specialist area.
- To act as a representative of the charity and the Board of Trustees, upholding the Eisteddfod’s core values.
- To advocate for the Eisteddfod in an impartial manner on local, national and international platforms.
- As part of the Board, to hold the staff and volunteer teams to account for the running of the charity.