Associate Trustee

PHOTO OXFORD IS RECRUITING An associate trustee

Get involved. Have a voice. Help shape the future of Photo Oxford Festival.

Closing date: 31 December, 2026

Following the successful appointment of our first Associate Trustee in 2025, the Board of Trustees is pleased to invite applications for a new Associate Trustee.

This is a development opportunity for someone interested in photography, visual arts, or the wider creative sector who wants to gain experience, build connections, and develop a greater understanding of how an arts organisation operates.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who have had limited access to opportunities, networks, or resources within the arts. We understand that gaining a foothold in the art world can be challenging, especially for those without established professional networks or experience.

High Hard Working Score an image by Haley Morris-Caffiero from her series What does an Ideal Employee Look Like? which explores the biases hidden in algorithms that power employment applicant assessment software.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Trustee role offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the work behind one of the UK’s leading photography festivals and to develop practical experience of working within a cultural organisation.

Working alongside Photo Oxford’s Director, Chair and Trustees, you will bring your ideas, experience, and perspective to the organisation. You will be invited to attend selected Board meetings as an observer, giving you the opportunity to listen, learn and contribute to discussions where appropriate.

You will also have the opportunity to get involved in Photo Oxford’s projects, events, and Festival activities, with your involvement shaped around your interests, skills, and availability.

EXPERIENCE YOU’LL GAIN

Through the role, you will develop valuable experience in:

  • Arts governance

  • Event production

  • Creative programming

  • Fundraising

  • Festival development

  • Working within a cultural organisation

  • Building professional connections within Oxford’s creative community

WHY JOIN US?

This is a supportive opportunity to learn more about the art world, build your professional skills and gain first-hand experience of how a cultural organisation operates.

As an Associate Trustee, you’ll have the chance to contribute your ideas, expand your network, and play a meaningful role in supporting Photo Oxford’s work.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You do not need extensive experience or a conventional career path. We are interested in people who are curious, engaged, and enthusiastic about photography and the arts. You might be a student, practitioner, volunteer, academic, career changer, or developing your own creative practice.

We especially encourage applications from those who are:

  • Curious about arts organisations

  • Interested in photography and visual arts.

  • Keen to learn about governance and cultural leadership.

  • Willing to contribute ideas and perspectives.

  • Interested in developing professional experience and networks.

  • Reliable, engaged, and willing to participate in Photo Oxford activities.

  • Open to learning from the Director, Chair, and Trustees

No prior board or governance experience is necessary.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The role is voluntary and initially for one year. Board meetings occur roughly every two months, with invitations to selected meetings and involvement in Photo Oxford activities and Festival events.

This flexible, developmental role recognises that you may have other commitments such as studies, employment, or creative projects.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Trustee is not a formal charity trustee and has no legal duties or responsibilities of trusteeship.

The role is voluntary and unpaid, with no voting rights or formal decision-making authority.

The Trustee Board retains governance and decision-making responsibility for the charity.

ABOUT PHOTO OXFORD

As a registered charity, Photo Oxford is dedicated to supporting photography and visual arts in Oxford. We create opportunities for engagement, learning, and contribution within the photographic and creative community. Find out more about Photo Oxford here.

YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS

We want to hear from people who are curious about the arts and interested in shaping the future of photography and visual culture. This opportunity offers you a chance to learn, contribute, build confidence, make connections, and gain a foothold in the art world.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a brief statement (around 250 words) explaining why you are a good fit for this role, including:

  • About yourself and your interests

  • Your connection to photography, visual arts, or the creative sector

  • Your reasons for interest in this opportunity

  • What you would bring to Photo Oxford

  • What you hope to learn or gain

  • Please include your C.V with your application.

We welcome applications from all candidates and will select based on suitability for the role.

If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or selection process, please let us know, and we will do our best to support you.

Send applications to our festival director: katy@photooxford.org by 31 December 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you

Photo Oxford trustee Tegan Rush at the festival welcome hub in 2025. Photo: Aniella Weinberger Photography