The Inclusive Sports & Culture Festival 2027 is set to be a landmark disability‑led celebration of sport, creativity and inclusive practice across Liverpool.
Funded by UK Sport and Arts Council England, the festival will bring world‑class D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists together with para‑sports organisations to create an ambitious, multi‑artform cultural moment with national and international impact.
They are seeking an exceptional Creative Director to lead the artistic vision and delivery of this groundbreaking programme. You will shape a bold, disability‑led cultural experience – one that integrates art and sport, centres lived experience and leaves a lasting legacy for Liverpool and beyond.
Contract: Fixed‑term freelance contract (April 2026 – September 2027)
Location: Hybrid – Culture Liverpool, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1AH
Fee: £50,000 – £55,000 (DOE, plus disability allowance)
Link: https://cultureliverpool.co.uk/creative-director/
What they need:
- A visionary cultural leader with a strong track record in delivering large‑scale indoor and outdoor arts commissions
- Deep understanding of disability‑led practice, inclusive curation and the social model of disability
- Experience commissioning across multiple artforms – visual arts, performance, digital, sound and participatory work
- Excellent project management, stakeholder engagement and budget handling skills
- Commitment to co‑creation, accessibility and inclusive leadership
- Experience collaborating with cultural, community, para‑sports or multi‑sector partners
Why apply?
- Lead the cultural vision for a nationally and internationally significant festival
- Champion disability‑led creative practice at the highest level
- Collaborate with world‑class artists, para‑sports organisations and communities
- Shape long‑term legacy, sector change and artist development
- Deliver a once‑in‑a‑generation creative programme across Liverpool’s public spaces, venues and cultural institutions
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and a one-page covering letter, highlighting how your skills and experience are relevant to the outlined requirements of the role, by email to: Jess O’Neill at cultureliverpool@liverpool.gov.uk.
They are also able to receive cover letters in audio or video format.
They are encouraging applications from people with D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent lived experience for this role. We would also consider joined applications which can include organisations or individuals proposing a job share.
The closing date for applications is Monday 23 March 2026 at 09:00.
They anticipate first round interviews taking place w/c 30 March 2026 virtually. Second round interviews will take place w/c 6 April in person, with a presentation task. Please state in your application if you are unavailable for these dates.