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The Farmer's Arms Project Director, Grizedale Arts, Grizedale Arts

  •  North West
  •  Â£30k-40k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes January 19, 2026
  •  Adam Sutherland
  •  adam@grizedale.org
  • #Combined arts

Description

Job Summary

The Project Director will lead a hard-working team of staff and volunteers, embracing the hands-on ethos that has characterised the project since Grizedale Arts bought the historic inn with the support of local and international investors and donors in 2021.

Job Description

"We believe in everyday creativity, and creativity everyday. It's our mission to nurture this in everyone who works at The Farmer's Arms and in everyone who visits us."

The Farmer's Arms is a vibrant rural hub that enriches the lives of both local residents and visitors. We are now seeking a Project Director to take on the day-to-day leadership of this diversified pub. This new role will guide future strategy and business planning, oversee venue operations, and shape creative direction. The aim is to strengthen and grow the daily operations of The Farmer's Arms, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for its creative programme.

The Project Director will also work closely with Grizedale Arts' director Adam Sutherland MBE to develop and support artist's projects, residencies and related activity including fundraising, curation and delivery. With Grizedale Arts' sister site at Lawson Park, both directors will create and support collaborative opportunities including open days, educational events, volunteering and residencies. Significant ongoing projects which span both sites include Re-Form Life (working title), funded by the Ampersand Award.

Longstanding GA director Adam Sutherland recently received this £150k award to support a range of work as he nears the end of his tenure.The ambitious programme consists of 7 projects throughout the Crake Valley, including the Merzbarn at Cylinders and Common Barn at Nibthwaite, culminating in a survey exhibition and publication that sets in context GA's last 50 years (2027 is its 50th anniversary) and offers an alternative history of art from a rural perspective, centred around collaboration and process rather than product, and highlighting the role of women and LGBTQ+ communities.

GA is an Arts Council England NPO and a registered charity.

Job Requirements

Living and working in the rural Lake District can be as challenging as it is wonderful. You will need to be prepared for a lot of rain, to work flexible hours and to be exceptionally resourceful. To navigate the area's many contingent influences whilst keeping creativity front and centre, demands determination, grit, humour and patience.

Essential:

  • Senior level experience in an arts organisation or equivalent (min. 3 years)
  • Proven financial management skills and experience of successful fundraising and/or income generation
  • Understanding of Arts Council England NPO reporting requirements
  • Proven ability to enthuse and motivate others and to lead a team
  • Excellent IT, verbal and written communication skills
  • A driving licence & personal transport

Desirable:

  • Qualification and/or curatorial experience in the arts, museums / heritage or architecture
  • Previous employment in the hospitality sector
  • Marketing or PR experience
  • Experience of living and working in a rural location

Job Responsibilities

The Project Director will deliver:

  • Leadership: Motivating and inspiring the team, managing resources and taking responsibility for operational success.
  • Creative & Strategic Thinking: Developing and implementing creative, sustainable strategies in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Operational Excellence: Site and event management, with adherence to health and safety regulations and procedures.
  • Community Engagement: Building inclusive, collaborative relationships across diverse communities.
  • Financial Management: Budgeting, reporting and successful fundraising.
  • Marketing & Communications: Creating and executing marketing campaigns, managing digital channels, and engaging stakeholders effectively.
  • Responsible Land Management & Sustainability: Facilitating land-based projects including food growing and environmental stewardship.

In conjunction with Programme Producer the postholder will sustain and develop a range of events at the venue.

Useful Links

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we hope you’ll apply.

Submit a single PDF document that includes both your Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter outlining your interest in this position (max. 4 sides of A4).

Please also note that an Equal Opportunities survey is required of all applicants.

If you have access needs and would like to apply in a different format please email Adam Sutherland at [email protected] or call our office on 015394 41050 by GMT 17.00 on Friday 15th December.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified w/c 2nd February
Interviews: w/c 23rd February 2026 (in person)

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