Join Turner Sims’ Strategic Board — we want to hear from you

We’re the University of Southampton’s music venue and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. For over 50 years we’ve welcomed audiences to Highfield Campus for classical, jazz, world and folk music – and every year we reach 1,300 artists and performers, 50,000 audience members, and deliver over 140 concerts and events. Beyond the concert hall, our Engagement Programme reaches over 600 children and young people and thousands of family audiences each year. 

Now we’re looking for people from outside the University to help shape where we go next. 

Why now? 

We’re heading into an important few years: developing our next five-year business plan, delivering a major capital project to make our venue fully step-free and accessible by 2028, and taking Turner Sims on tour across the region while our building is closed for works. We need Board members who bring fresh thinking, industry expertise, and lived experience to help us get this right. 

Who we’re looking for 

We’re serious about building a Board that reflects Southampton’s communities. We’re particularly keen to hear from: 

• People from culturally diverse backgrounds, including Black, Asian, Dual Heritage and other ethnic groups 

• D/deaf and Disabled people 

• Young people aged 18–35 with an interest in live music, arts and culture 

• Anyone currently underrepresented in the arts and cultural sector 

We’re also looking for specific skills and experience, including commercial knowledge of cultural venues, artistic programming, marketing and audience insights, fundraising, and live music promotion in Southampton or the region. 

You don’t need previous board experience – we welcome first-timers as warmly as people with a track record in governance. 

What’s involved 

This is a voluntary role, but it’s not without support: we offer an honorarium for unsalaried or self-employed Board Members, and we reimburse travel expenses. The Board meets four times a year — mostly online, around 1.5 hours each — plus one in-person Away Day. Members also get complimentary tickets to Turner Sims events. 

In return, you’ll gain real experience of strategic thinking and arts leadership, grow your network, and play a genuine part in shaping Southampton’s cultural future. 

Find out more 

Not sure if it’s for you? Join one of our informal briefing sessions on Tuesday 1 September 2026 (12:00–12:45 or 18:00–18:45, via Teams) hosted by our Director and Board Co-Chair. Register by 5pm Thursday 27 August. 

To apply, send an expression of interest — a letter (max 2 pages) or a short video/audio file (max 5 minutes) — telling us why you’d like to join, what you’d bring, and a bit about yourself. Email: arts@soton.ac.uk (subject: ‘Strategic Board’) 

Deadline: midday, Wednesday 16 September 2026

Download the full recruitment pack here.  

Plain text version available here. 

To request alternative formats, please email arts@soton.ac.uk