IFACCA and National Department for Culture and Arts, Malaysia (JKKN) are seeking a Programme Director for the 8th World Summit on Arts and Culture, to be held in March 2019 in Kuala Lumpur. The candidate needs demonstrable international experience and networks in the field of arts and cultural policy and would be responsible for developing the structure and contents of the Summit.

The World Summit on Arts and Culture is an international forum that provides national arts councils, ministries of culture and other agencies the opportunity to discuss key issues of public support for the arts, culture and creativity. The event brings together leading policy makers, researchers, managers and practitioners from the arts and culture sector from around the world. The World Summits are hosted by IFACCA, in partnership with a National Member, every two to three years.

The 8th World Summit on Arts and Culture will take place on 11-14 March 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is co-hosted by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of Malaysia and IFACCA.  The theme for the 8th World Summit is MOBILE MINDS: Culture, Knowledge and Change.

Previous World Summits have proven their potential for stimulating international cooperation, learning and information exchange for arts support agencies, artists, arts managers and policy makers worldwide. The World Summits provide an excellent opportunity for strengthening civil society, promoting collaboration between non-profit and government sectors and for equipping artists, arts organisations, academics and institutions to interact in a global and dynamic world.  To date, seven World Summits have been held: Ottawa, Canada 2000; Singapore, 2003; NewcastleGateshead, England 2006; Johannesburg, South Africa 2009; Melbourne, Australia 2011; Santiago, Chile 2014; and most recently Valletta, Malta in October 2016.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS - DEADLINE THURSDAY 6 JULY 2017

Profile of Programme Director

IFACCA and JKKN are seeking a Programme Director with demonstrable international experience and networks in the field of arts and cultural policy to be responsible for developing the structure and contents of the Summit programme as described below.

The 8th World Summit Programme Director must meet the following selection criteria:

• Ability to undertake the Responsibilities of the Programme Director as described below


• Demonstrable knowledge of global issues impacting the arts and culture, particularly those relevant to government arts agencies, and experience as a commentator on such issues.


• Extensive international networks and the capacity to draw on those for the development of the programme.


• International reputation for creativity and expertise in event design (eg conferences or festivals)


• Excellent management skills


• Strong communication skills and fluent in English, both written and verbally.


• Knowledge of arts and cultural issues in Malaysia and/or Southeast Asia.

Details of the engagement

It is expected that the Programme Director will be a part-time role for most of the period leading up the Summit (starting at least 18 months prior to the Summit). There will be periods of more intense work when the programme is being finalised, and during the Summit itself. The Programme Director will be contracted by, and report to, the JKKN and be accountable to the IFACCA Summit Committee. The remuneration will be negotiated with the successful applicant. The contracted period will be August/September 2017 to April 2019, equivalent to approximately 150 days on full time engagement.

Download WS PROGRAMME DIRECTOR brief June2017 FINAL