Trustee – Maritime

Website Lakeland Arts

Job title: Trustee – Maritime

Location: Bowness-on-Windermere and Kendal (Cumbria)

Salary: Voluntary trusteeship (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing Date: 2 April 2026

Description

Lakeland Arts is one of the region’s most significant cultural charities, caring for an extraordinary portfolio of museums, galleries and heritage sites across the Lake District National Park. From the award‑winning Windermere Jetty Museum to the internationally recognised Abbot Hall Art Gallery, our venues welcome thousands of visitors each year and play a vital role in preserving heritage, inspiring creativity and strengthening communities.

We are now seeking a new trustee to join our Board at an important moment of renewal and ambition. Lakeland Arts is undertaking a transformative programme designed to secure long‑term sustainability, broaden access and reimagine how our collections and historic places connect with audiences. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of a distinctive, place‑based cultural organisation with national reach and deep community roots.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic development of Lakeland Arts, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and thoughtful stewardship of our buildings, collections and visitor experience. Working collaboratively with the Chair, your fellow Trustees and the Leadership Team, you will contribute to decisions that support organisational resilience, inclusive programming, and the delivery of public benefit across all sites.

About You

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including first‑time Trustees. You will share our values and bring sound judgement, integrity and a collaborative mindset. We are particularly interested in people who offer:

• A well‑rounded appreciation of historic boats with the ability to offer informed perspectives that support the stewardship, interpretation and continued relevance of our unique collection.
• Experience contributing to curatorial thinking, exhibition development or collection‑related initiatives within a museum, gallery or academic setting, bringing thoughtful guidance rather than operational oversight.
• Active engagement with relevant scholarly networks or research institutions, helping the board stay attuned to current debates, practice and opportunities for collaboration.
• A sound understanding of museum standards, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks relating to collecting, conservation and public access, supporting good governance and responsible decision‑making.
• A commitment to inclusive, audience‑focused approaches to interpretation, learning and community participation, helping ensure the organisation’s work remains accessible and relevant.
• Confidence in applying heritage and curatorial insight within a board context, offering measured challenge, clear strategic perspective and support for strong, accountable governance.
• Experience encouraging organisations to innovate, diversify income streams and build partnerships, offering constructive oversight as the charity adapts to changing environments.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please contact the Secretary to the Board, Kay Knipe, who will be able to arrange an informal conversation with the Chair or another trustee: kknipe@lakelandarts.org.uk

Applications for the role should be in the form of a CV and a one page expression of interest, to be sent to kknipe@lakelandarts.org.uk by 2 April 2026.

Lakeland Arts is committed to diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from individuals under‑represented in the heritage and cultural sectors, including neurodiverse candidates, applicants from the Global Majority and those with disabilities.

To view the full role description please click here