Joining the Axis board
This page is here to help you decide whether becoming a trustee feels right for you.
Trustee recruitment
You may be considering becoming a trustee of Axis because you care about contemporary art and how it thrives.
Axis is an independent charity. We act because we believe contemporary art, and the artists who make it, should be visible, supported, and accessible to more people.
Trustees help protect that independence and take responsibility for how it is used.
What being a trustee at Axis is really about
This is an active board role.
Trustees help guide Axis that chooses to act with intent and care. The work involves judgement, long-term thinking, and a willingness to engage with complexity.
As a trustee, you support the team, help shape direction, and contribute to decisions that affect artists, audiences, and the organisation as a whole.
You do not need to know everything. Care, judgement, and curiosity matter.
A current trustee told us:
“It was only when I saw an Axis post that said you were interested in potential, not just perfection, that I felt it might be ok to apply. Seeing your commitment made me feel this was a space I could step into.”
Is Axis right for you?
Axis may be a good fit if you:
- are interested in how independent charities work in practice
- value listening, collaboration, and thoughtful challenge
- are comfortable with responsibility and and exercising judgement
- want to contribute time and thinking
The practical
We are recruiting up to three (3) new trustees.
We are keen to hear from people working in:
- leadership or governance
- finance, income generation, or fundraising
- curatorial practice or cultural strategy
- digital, communications, or audience development
This is a voluntary role, averaging around half a day per month. We meet four times a year. Most meetings are online, with one in-person meeting linked to an away day.
You do not need previous trustee experience. We welcome people who are new to governance and want to learn. We strongly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in arts governance.
Read the trustee recruitment pack
The trustee recruitment pack includes the full role description, responsibilities, key dates, and application process.
- Download the trustee recruitment pack (PDF)
- Application deadline: 15 March 2026
Thinking of applying, or want to talk first?
Access matters to us. If this process does not work for you, or you have a question, please get in touch - hello@axisweb.org
Helping Artists Keep Going
Axis is an artist-led charity supporting contemporary visual artists with resources, connection, and visibility.