Public Art Co-ordinator

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include planning, Local Enterprise Office, rural and community development, transportation, motor tax, water, environment, emergency services along with housing activation & delivery, libraries, and sports & amenities, property management, derelict sites, and vacant homes. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance and People and Culture functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Public Arts Co-ordinator from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

The role of the Public Art Co-ordinator will be to manage Clare County Council’s public art commissioning programme. The co-ordinator will be responsible for all elements of the programme from developing and issuing artist briefs to establishing the artist selection process in consultation with the Arts Office to the final installation / production of the commissioned artworks, including the drafting and managing of artist contracts, budgets, and project documentation.

The Public Art Co-ordinator will act as the main point of contact on the commissioning programme and will work directly with commissioned artists throughout all project phases. They will be responsible for managing timelines, budgets, and ensuring compliance with the Per Cent for Art national guidelines and Clare County Council procedures, ensure all necessary permissions, insurances, and approvals are in place for each commission.

The role will be based in the Arts Office and will report to the County Arts Officer. The Public Art Co-ordinator will prepare updates and attend progress meetings as necessary and liaise with relevant Council departments to ensure alignment with capital projects and be expected to engage and communicate with artists, local communities, and external partners.

Essential:

Experience in public art commissioning and a strong understanding of the commissioning process.

Experience working directly with artists and supporting them.

Experience in arts production and public event planning.

Desirable:

A proven track record of leading projects and working collaboratively

Duties:

Lead the development of a Public Art Policy for Clare County Council that takes account of national public art policy as well as local context.

Qualifications:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Character 

Each candidate must be of good character. 

2. Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

 3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, hold an ordinary degree (Level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in an Arts/Cultural Discipline

and

 (b) Have at least three years satisfactory relevant arts and administrative experience including experience in the area of programme development and budget management

and

(c) Have satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation

 and

 (d) Driving Licence - Hold a current full Class B driving licence free from endorsements

Failure to input and upload proof of essential criteria in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post (August 2025): €51,722, €53,266, €54,844, €56,454, €58,076, €59,967, €61,865