A message from Deborah Chadbourn, Executive Director, who is stepping down in early 2022

Deborah Chadbourn, Executive Director at Artsadmin, is stepping down in early 2022 and shares a message about her departure:

“I’m sad and excited to be leaving Artsadmin to chart new waters. I’ve worked in the arts since 1984, using my learned-on-the job skills to support artists, develop organisations and engage people from all walks of life. I’ve worked with amazing artists and colleagues in a whole range of contexts; their work has inspired, challenged and moved me. I haven’t liked all of it, but most of it has made me think. In this even more volatile world, where turbulence seems greater than it has for generations, artists have an important place, whether their work is intentionally socially engaged, or whether it opens hearts and minds through its complexity, beauty and wonder.  

Over the last 37 years, what I’ve valued more than anything is seeing artists pleased by the realisation of their work, colleagues gratified by the huge effort they’ve put in to make it happen, and audiences (in the broadest sense) animated by their encounter with the art. But in many ways, it’s always been about people for me. So now, in the last phase of my working life, I’m going to focus on people through training to become a counsellor.  

I’m grateful to Artsadmin for being the caring, artist-focused organisation that gave me my first (paid) and last jobs, and for the fantastic staff team there – past and present – who work so hard to make a difference; beautiful people in an often ugly world.”  

Artsadmin is looking for a new Executive Director to succeed Deborah and lead Artsadmin into the future, working in partnership with Róise Goan, Artistic Director, and the team. Find out more on our Jobs page and apply before 8 November.