Job Description

Description

The Southbank Centre is the UK's largest centre for the arts, an engine of creativity welcoming millions to encounter music, performance, literature and the visual arts in a vibrant cultural playground. Since its beginnings with the 1951 Festival of Britain, the Centre has grown into a globally recognised cultural hub, driven by the belief that culture belongs to everyone. A core part of this cultural ecology is the Hayward Gallery - one of London's most celebrated contemporary art galleries and a world-renowned site of artistic innovation. A landmark of brutalist architecture on the South Bank, the Hayward is internationally acclaimed for its adventurous and often era-defining exhibitions, from Anthony Gormley and Louise Bourgeois to Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, and, most recently, Yoshitomo Nara, contributing to the Southbank Centre's vision to be the world's most exciting centre for the arts.

Looking ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2026, and in a context of significant shifts in visual culture, from the impact of technology to the rise of immersive experiences, the Board are seeking a new Director of Hayward Gallery & Visual Arts. Reporting to the Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, the Director will provide visionary artistic leadership and curatorial excellence, embedding visual arts within a truly multidisciplinary context. They will be responsible for defining the programme for the Hayward Gallery, for its national touring programme, for championing interdisciplinary collaboration across the wider Southbank Centre, for leading and inspiring a talented team to engage audiences locally, nationally, and globally, and for nurturing relationships with artists, funders, partners and peers to expand the reach and reputation of the Hayward Gallery.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of conceiving and delivering innovative exhibition programmes of international significance, combined with strong commercial acumen, fundraising expertise, and experience of working with diverse artists and audiences. An inspirational leader and communicator, they will combine intellectual curiosity and digital fluency with a spirit of collaboration and ability to build strategic partnerships across the Southbank Centre, as well as lead a high-performing team. This is a truly unique opportunity to shape the artistic vision and curatorial direction of one of the world's most exciting centres for contemporary art, at the heart of the UK's cultural life, ensuring the Hayward Gallery continues to be a place of encounter, creativity and discovery for generations to come.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit https://www.saxbam.com/appointment/the-hayward-gallery-southbank-centre/ using reference EBWNA.



Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 28th October, 2025.

How to apply

Candidates should apply for this role at https://www.saxbam.com/appointment/the-hayward-gallery-southbank-centre/ using code EBWNA. Click on the 'apply' button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form.



Please download the appointment brief for further details.

About Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre, the largest arts centre in Europe and the UK's 5th most visited attraction, is at the heart of London's cultural life. Spanning 11 acres, this iconic venue offers a diverse range of great art and culture, bringing people together through unforgettable experiences.




From internationally renowned artists to emerging talent, Southbank Centre provides a platform for creativity to flourish. Its impressive facilities include the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library, and the Arts Council Collection. The centre is also home to six Resident Orchestras, offering exceptional musical performances. Moreover, Southbank Centre is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can have access to the arts through their creative learning and participation activities.




As a registered charity and a National Portfolio Organisation, Southbank Centre is esteemed for its contribution to the arts and its dedication to fostering cultural experiences that inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.