THE search has begun for someone to take charge of Barnard Castle’s arts centre for the next 12 months.
Trustees at The Witham are seeking an interim manager to take over from Shelagh Avery, who took on the role on a voluntary basis earlier this year when the cash-strapped centre came within weeks of closure.
A public appeal for cash, coupled with fundraising events and a £60,000 bail-out from Durham County Council has secured The Witham’s future in the short term – to the extent that trustees can now afford to recruit a full-time manager for the next year, although the role and accompanying salary has been “realigned” .
It had been intended to appoint a director to the centre – but trustees were unable to offer an accompanying salary of about £60,000.
Instead, they are initially looking for someone to take charge of the day-to-day operation. The salary offered is between £26,000 and £29,000.
Ms Avery said: “The successful public campaign clearly demonstrated the community’s desire for The Witham to be here, doing all things as before and other new and different things.
“Then we had the generous contribution from Durham County Council. They recognised the economic value of The Witham to Barnard Castle and the wider community.”
She said the board of trustees had discussed the range of skills and knowledge that would be needed from a future director, but the current financial climate made it unlikely they would find those in one person for the package they were able to offer.
As a result, each board member has taken on one area of The Witham’s work,
for which they are accountable.
“For example, one trustee will take on the artistic direction and work with staff and the manager to ensure there is a programme in place that fulfils the aims,” said Ms Avery.
“The Witham needs to be better at selling its space outside the music hall, so a trustee will have accountability for the commercial aspect.
“The plan is to recruit a manager with operational experience, plus organisational skills to deliver the programme and build on the financial sustainability.
“A year from now the financial situation may be sound enough that board members can step back a little bit and for a director to be appointed. That’s why we are calling this an interim appointment.”
Once the interim manager has been appointed Ms Avery will step aside. However, she has accepted an invitation to join the board of trustees.
“I have loved doing this job and I will continue to have a relationship with The Witham,” she said.
“The primary activity will be to support the centre manager so there is continuity.”
The deadline for applications is December 3, with interviews scheduled for December 11.
For more details, go to www.thewitham.org.uk.
