Returning to work can be daunting. But a returner-friendly employer can make the world of difference.
Every week, Back To Work Connect spotlights Irish companies that offer the most support to returnees so you can find your perfect back-to-work fit.
This week we’re profiling The Arts Council.
If teamwork, flexible working, and promoting the arts in Ireland matter to you, then The Arts Council may be the perfect place to restart your career.
The Arts Council: Company background
Established in 1951, The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing, and promoting the arts in Ireland.
The Arts Act 2003 provides that the Arts Council stimulates public interest, promotes knowledge, appreciation, and practice, and assists in improving standards in the arts.
The Arts Council is an autonomous expert body for funding and promoting the arts, steering its development, and offering advice on arts and cultural matters.
Based in Merrion Square, Dublin 2, the Arts Council employs a dedicated team of professionals committed to leading the development of the arts in Ireland.
Its mission is to:
• advocate for the arts
• support excellence
• facilitate public engagement, emphasising the importance of the arts in societal development and cultural heritage.
With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, The Arts Council provides funding, resources, and guidance to artists and arts organisations, ensuring that the arts are an integral part of Irish life.
Staff at The Arts Council are guided by organisational values in their work with others. These include:
1. Freedom of thought and of expression
2. Commitment to excellence
3. Integrity, accountability, transparency
4. Respect for diversity
5. Collegiality
Why work at The Arts Council?
Wondering why The Arts Council is an attractive place for returnees?
First things first, The Arts Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourages applications from all sections of the community under all ten grounds as set out in our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
Embracing the diverse needs of its employees. The Arts Council puts significant importance on sustaining a flexible working environment offering flexi time, hybrid work and part-time options to support the balance between professional and personal responsibilities.
The Arts Council also fosters a collegial atmosphere where cooperation and teamwork are highly valued, ensuring that new employees feel welcomed and supported by their peers.
In addition, The Arts Council offers numerous opportunities for internal mobility and career growth within the organisation. It encourages continuous learning and provides opportunities for training and development.
The culture of respect and inclusivity at the Arts Council ensures that all voices are heard and valued, creating a fulfilling and enjoyable workplace where everyone can thrive.
What to expect
What does a typical working day look like at The Arts Council?
A typical day varies depending on your role and grade. However, all teams work in a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
There is an administrative element to most roles, along with contact with members of the arts sector.
Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions and inter-departmental collaborations are integral parts of the daily routine, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
What employees love about working at The Arts Council
Employees at The Arts Council say there’s a lot to love about working there.
Many employees highlight the organisation’s dedication to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours and options for remote work help employees manage their professional and personal lives effectively;
They also appreciate the opportunities for professional development and career progression, the collaborative nature of the workplace, and the sense of teamwork and mutual respect.
Add to that, employees take pride in the meaningful work they do contributing to the promotion and support of the arts in Ireland.
The impact of their work on the arts community and society as a whole is a significant motivator.
Careers at The Arts Council
There are lots of different roles that make up the workforce at The Arts Council.
Careers at the Arts Council span various administrative and managerial roles from middle management to senior management levels.
Here is an overview of the types of roles within The Arts Council.
Clerical Officer (CO): entry-level – carry out essential administrative and support tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities;
Executive Officer (EO): manage projects and support policy implementation;
Higher Executive Officer (HEO): middle management – Focus on strategy and policy development, may also include management of funding awards.
Assistant Principal (AP): senior management – Leadership and strategic roles within the organisation;
Interested in a career at The Arts Council?
If you’d like to know more about the roles The Arts Council is currently hiring for, check out our returner-friendly jobs board.
