Deal Music and Arts Chair of Trustees

We are looking for a culturally engaged, highly strategic Chair of Trustees to support the charity and help it manage the wider fiscal challenges facing arts funding at this time. The ideal person will be committed to music and the arts and to the role of music in education. They will also be committed to the needs of the local community.

DMA has two linked priorities: the delivery of a high-quality Festival and an engaging Learning and Participation programme. Deal Festival 2025 saw venues and spaces across our local area come alive with world-class classical, jazz and folk music, literature, theatre, talks, walks, films and much more, including outlets for Learning and Participation projects and opportunities for local amateur musicians to perform.

People, particularly young people, have limited access to regular, affordable and inclusive music and creative arts programmes, which constrains their opportunities for social interaction, skills development and the physical and mental wellbeing that creative engagement provides. DMA’s Learning and Participation programme aims to address these needs and is constantly evolving. It includes work in primary and secondary schools and a Summer School where children and adults play side by side creating music regardless of age, background or level.

DMA is run by an Executive Director and an Artistic Director, as well as supporting staff including the Head of Learning & Participation. None of these individuals works full time. Consistent with normal charity rules, the roles of Chair and Trustee are not remunerated.

It is hoped that the new Chair will join the Board in January 2026. If you would like to be considered for this position please send a cv to mailto:[email protected] – [email protected] together with a short covering letter explaining your interest in the position, by November 14th 2025.