MAKE ART HAPPEN
The Infinity Tunnel. Photo Credit: Cory Bluhm

BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION DESCRIPTION

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Where Art Starts

 

The Arts Fund has had a significant impact on the development of the creative arts community throughout Waterloo Region. Arts Fund Board members contribute their time, expertise and goodwill, and are acknowledged as having a leadership role within the arts community. Serving on the Board is both an opportunity and a commitment.

  • If you are interested in applying to be a Board member, please review recruitment info on this link.

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Purpose and Role of the Arts Fund Board of Directors  

 

The 14-member volunteer board is responsible for allocating funding provided by Regional Council on an annual basis. Applications are assessed using the peer review model, starting in 2023, Peer Reviewers will be hired and paid to review artists applications. 

 Board of Directors application review

The Arts Fund does not provide comment or feedback about any grant application evaluations and/or funding decisions. It is essential to the integrity of the review process that Board members do not assist with preparing applications, nor discuss the deliberations or outcomes. Members sign and adhere to the Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest policies.

 

Board members volunteer their time and expertise and receive no payment; some administrative expenses are reimbursed. 

 

Can Board Members Still Apply for Grants?

 

Yes, Board members may apply for grants as individuals or on behalf of their affiliated organizations as they no longer review applications.

 

 

Board Appointment and Term of Office

 

Members of the Board can be appointed initially for a one- or two-year commitment, at the discretion of the incoming board member. A director can serve a maximum of six (6) continuous years. After retirement from the board, a former director can return to the board after a one-year absence.

 

 

Responsibilities of Board Members

  • Approve the slate of grants recommended by the Peer Reviewers
  • Attend meetings and participate fully in the work of the Board
  • Adhere to RWAF Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest policies, as per the By-laws of the Corporation
  • Assist in the work of the various committees, as required from time to time
  • Represent RWAF within the community, in adherence with its corporate by-laws
  • Promote RWAF within the community and encourage artistic projects and community support for both projects and creators.

Skills and Values

  • Generosity of spirit and a desire to support the well-being of individual artists and organizations
  • Expertise in specific artistic disciplines is an asset 
  • Broad knowledge of the arts and culture in general throughout Waterloo Region
  • Optimism and a positive approach towards the role of the arts in community development 
  • Experience with governance practices in non-profit boards is an asset
  • A collegial and collaborative approach to working with fellow Board members.

Tasks and Time Commitment

 

  • Attending Meetings – A minimum of four (4) meetings per year, with the schedule for the following year set in advance so Board members know exactly what dates. The primary objective is to conduct board business, hold the AGM, and approve the slate grants for each funding cycle
  • Committees – if appointed to a committee, attend any meetings as required
  • Represent the Board – Board members are often invited to attend events (launches, galas, previews) of our grantees. successful applicants. We encourage Board members to attend events whenever possible, to represent the Board and have the opportunity to experience what our artists have achieved with RWAF funding 
  • Open House – Board members take turns creating and participating in a two-hour open house (in person or online). These coincide with the two annual granting cycles, in the spring and fall. These sessions allow community members to learn more about RWAF in general, to inquire specifically about the granting process, and to engage with Board members
  • Training – Anti-Racism and Board training may take place, at no cost to the Board member.

Nomination and Election Process

  • Send a resume to [email protected] and tell us about your interest in serving on the Board
  • Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, and applicants will meet with a Board member to discuss their interest, availability, and so on
  • Board members can join the Board at any time throughout the year
  • Each new Board member is required to review, sign, and agree to abide by RWAF Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest policies.

Miscellany

  • Board meetings have taken place virtually, on Zoom, since 2020, but may resume in person. If so, such meetings would take place at Waterloo Regional headquarters, 150 Frederick St. in downtown Kitchener
  • If requested, a Board member’s parking or travel costs incurred can be reimbursed. Any such compensation is paid out of RWAF’s operating budget
  • RWAF Board carries Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
  • Staff support provided for the work of the Board is done by Regional staff members in the office of the Regional Clerk (Planning, Development and Legislative Services), as well as staff in Legal Services and Financial Services.

For more information and to express your interest in serving on the Arts Fund Board, please contact us.