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Help shape the next chapter of one of Aotearoa’s most important independent arts institutions

BATS Theatre is seeking two new Trustees to join our Board at an important moment in the organisation’s evolution.

For more than 35 years, BATS has occupied a distinctive place in Aotearoa’s performing arts ecosystem. Based in its iconic home at 1 Kent Terrace in Wellington, BATS provides a platform for independent artists, emerging practitioners and new voices to make, test and present work.
It is a place where careers begin, ideas are tried, communities come together and the next generation of theatre makers gets the opportunity to take creative risks.

BATS is also a complex organisation to govern. We are a charitable trust, an arts organisation, a public venue, a hospitality operation, a property steward, an employer and an important piece of Wellington’s cultural infrastructure.
That makes this an unusually rich governance opportunity.

A significant moment for BATS
Like much of Aotearoa’s arts and for purpose sector, BATS is operating in a changing and increasingly constrained funding environment.

Rather than standing still, the Board is actively working with the organisation to strengthen its operating model, financial resilience and long-term sustainability while protecting the kaupapa that makes BATS distinctive.

We have a committed, highly engaged Board with significant experience across governance, leadership, strategy, finance, law, communications, public policy, culture and organisational change. Trustees are expected to contribute actively, ask good questions and bring both challenge and support to the table.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to an organisation that matters to Wellington and to generations of independent artists.

Who we are looking for
We are particularly interested in candidates who can strengthen the Board in one or more of the following areas:

Financial and commercial capability  - Strong financial literacy and confidence engaging with management accounts, cashflow, budgets, financial risk and organisational sustainability. Commercial judgement and experience developing sustainable revenue models would be particularly valuable.

Hospitality, venues and events - Experience in hospitality, venue management, events, visitor experience or related commercial operations. We are interested in people who understand how great experiences, efficient operations and commercial performance can work together.
We would also welcome complementary experience in areas such as:

• commercial strategy and business model development
• property, facilities or asset management
• fundraising, philanthropy, sponsorship or partnerships
• organisational transformation and change
• risk and assurance
• arts, culture, entertainment or the creative industries.

You do not need to be a theatre expert. You do need to understand the importance of places such as BATS and be motivated by the opportunity to help them thrive.

What you will gain
BATS offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced directors while engaging with the full breadth of governance.

For someone building their governance career, it is an environment in which to deepen experience across financial oversight, strategy, organisational transformation, people and culture, risk, stakeholder relationships, property, commercial operations and public funding.

For an experienced director or executive, it offers something equally valuable: the opportunity to bring your skills to a kaupapa where good governance has a visible impact.

We are looking for people prepared to roll up their sleeves at governance level, contribute their networks and expertise, and help us think boldly about what a resilient BATS looks like for the next generation.

About the Board
The Board meets regularly through a combination of in person meetings in Wellington and online meetings. Trustees may also participate in Board committees or time limited pieces of governance work.

BATS values a diversity of perspectives around the Board table and welcomes expressions of interest from people whose backgrounds, communities and experiences reflect contemporary Aotearoa and the artists and audiences we serve.

If you combine strong judgement with curiosity, generosity and a willingness to contribute, we would love to hear from you.

Come and help us shape the next chapter of BATS.

APPLICATION CLOSE:  13 September 2026

For further information contact – michelle.pearson@iod.org.nz

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