As our current Chair is stepping down from this post at the end of her term in March 2026, we are seeking applications for her replacement. This is a voluntary role and is usually for a period of three to five years.
BACKGROUND
ESSA – the Exhibiting Societies of Scottish Artists – formed in 2003, is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a charity formed by Scotland’s three major exhibiting societies – Society of Scottish Artists (SSA), Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) and Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) .
ESSA is formed of representatives from the three societies to handle jointly the liaison and arrangements with the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) over their joint occupancy of the RSA building for their annual exhibitions.
The societies are all independent organisations which have unique characters and histories and have all exhibited separately in the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) building on The Mound at Princes Street, Edinburgh for over a hundred years. ESSA has no responsibility or accountability for the day to day affairs of the individual societies.
THE ROLE OF CHAIR
As Chair you will be ESSA’s primary contact point with the relevant staff of the NGS and will handle all joint strategic negotiations with them on its behalf. This would include for example, the annual hire fee, dates of the exhibitions, availability of exhibiting space and any other relevant issues.
The position involves acting as a representative for the three Societies, negotiating on their behalf in shaping the plans for future exhibitions with the NGS, while maintaining a positive relationship with NGS .
Once the exhibition arrangements are established, operational matters are dealt with by the societies’ paid administrators.
You will chair up to four ESSA meetings (one per quarter) and otherwise broker agreement between the societies on matters of joint interest. These meetings should include a particular matter for the societies such as approval of annual accounts, or allocation of exhibiting slots. An Annual General Meeting may replace one of these meetings in agreement with the societies.
The Chair role is challenging but is a very rewarding one. It is not overly time-consuming but has short, intensive periods of activity. It leads to greatly increased contact with key players in the Scottish art scene and provides a major opportunity to support and enhance their work.
Key Objectives
* Governance Oversight (supported by Secretary) including any legal or regulatory requirements, maintaining records and minutes, action tracking,
* Financial Oversight (supported by Treasurer) – for annual accounts, payments on behalf of ESSA to NGS and accountability of what it does and does not include, insurance as applicable,
* Ambassadorial Role – representing the three societies to NGS and externally (potential funders or sponsors)
* Building Trust and Advocacy – strategic negotiation on challenges and opportunities
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES and EXPERIENCE
The role requires someone with experience of organisational governance, strong chairing skills, evidence based negotiation skills, knowledge of gallery operations, a good appreciation of the Scottish art scene, an understanding and empathy for the unique character of each of the three societies and enthusiasm for the development of the relationship between the three societies and NGS. The role also requires tact, diplomacy and strong negotiation skills.
HOW TO APPLY
Expressions of interest should include a cover letter stating your interest, capacity and track record alongside your CV. Both should be sent via email to essaart20@gmail.com by Friday 17 October. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact us at that address.
KEY DATES
Open for applications: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Deadline for applications: Friday 17 October 2025, 9am.
Image: The Royal Scottish Academy Building, artist: Clare Rennie.
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