Open Call: Residency Director

About the Role

The Director will be the senior leadership position at Hampi Art Labs, responsible for developing the

institution’s long-term vision and strategy and for guiding its translation into programmes, systems and

partnerships. This will ensure the centre thrives as a vibrant hub for artists, artisanal communities and

audiences, with a strong artistic and international profile.

Working with the Head of Operations and the Centre Manager, who report to the Director, the Director

will provide overall artistic, strategic and operational leadership, ensuring that artistic ambitions are

supported by strong organisational, financial and administrative systems and that programmes and

operations are delivered effectively and sustainably. Together, the three roles will lead the centre’s

team and its freelance staff.

The Director will act as the representative of Hampi Art Labs, together with Mrs Sangita Jindal,

Founder, and Tarini Handa, Creative Director. The role requires an individual who can move

comfortably between long-term strategic thinking and day-to-day leadership, and who understands the

complexities of working within a contemporary, multidisciplinary arts institution. The Director will work

closely with artists, curators, cultural institutions, foundations, international partners, donors,

government and diplomatic bodies, and the wider arts ecosystem, building strategic partnerships and

securing the resources needed to realise the institution’s aims.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader, able to set a clear direction, empower

and support colleagues, and make well-judged decisions. As the Director is on site for part of each

month, the Heads will run day-to-day activity in the Director’s absence; the Director will provide

guidance on matters escalated by the Head of Operations, Curator and the Programmes Manger, and

will ensure that these roles work cohesively towards shared priorities.

The role will also be central to strengthening Hampi Art Labs’ national and international networks and

institutional profile.

About Hampi Art Labs

Hampi Art Labs is a contemporary arts and cultural institution located in Hampi, Karnataka. It provides

a platform for artists, curators, researchers and cultural practitioners through residencies, exhibitions,

research, education, workshops, masterclasses and international collaborations. The institution works

across contemporary art, craft, performance, material practices and interdisciplinary forms, while

engaging with the cultural, historical and ecological context of Hampi, north Karnataka, and the wider

region.

Set in Vijayanagar, the “victory city” and temple town in southern India, Hampi Art Labs (HAL) is an

artist-first centre that brings together three essential aspects of contemporary artmaking: facilities for

large-scale production, a retreat where artists can work and recharge, and a gallery presenting world-

class exhibitions, all within a single multi-acre campus.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vision & Institutional Strategy

• Develop and articulate the long-term artistic and institutional vision of Hampi Art Labs.

• Establish Hampi as a significant platform for contemporary art, research, craft and

multidisciplinary practice.

• Set the annual artistic and programming strategy, priorities and measurable deliverables,

working with the and the Head of Operations, Curator and Programmes Manager.

• Ensure that the institution’s programmes maintain artistic quality, relevance and integrity.

• Develop sustainable systems for institutional growth and long-term planning, and review

progress against institutional priorities with the Heads.

• Work closely with the Founder and Creative Director, advisors and senior leadership on strategic

decisions and institutional development.

2. Programme Oversight & Artistic Quality

• Approve the annual programme developed together the Curator and Programmes Manager,

including residencies and open studios, exhibitions, research projects, performances,

masterclasses, talks and public programmes.

• Establish advisory and jury teams for the selection of residency artists and any other open call, in

collaboration with the together the Curator and Programmes Manager.

• Support the development of emerging and established artists and curators.

• Encourage multidisciplinary and experimental practices, and consider new programme formats

and institutional initiatives.

• Act as the senior point of contact for key artists, collaborators and stakeholders, with day-to-day

contact delegated to the Centre Manager and Programmes Manager.

3. Leadership of the Heads & Team

• Lead the Hampi Art Labs team and establish effective systems for planning, communication and

accountability.

• Line-manage the Curator, Head of Operations, Centre Manager: set their objectives, provide

guidance and support, and review their performance.

• Ensure the Hampi Art Labs team work cohesively, with clear boundaries and shared priorities,

and resolve matters escalated by either.

• Develop the organisational structure, key appointments and future staffing requirements,

working with the Head of Operations.

• Oversee recruitment, professional development and performance review across the institution,

delegating day-to-day supervision to the Heads.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful and accountable working culture.

4. Financial Oversight & Governance

• Set annual and programme budgets with the Head of Operations and the finance team (JSW

Foundation and JSW Mumbai), and seek approval from the Founder and Creative Director.

• Monitor financial performance and expenditure against approved budgets, using the regular

budget updates provided by the Head of Operations.

• Approve significant expenditure, contracts and financial commitments within delegated

authority, and refer matters beyond it to the Founder and Creative Director.

• Approve the institution’s systems and policies, including risk management, health and safety,

safeguarding and artist welfare, and review them regularly.

• Report to the Founder and Creative Director on institutional, programme and financial

performance, and engage with Advisors as required.

• Ensure compliance with applicable legal, statutory and funder requirements, and with the

policies of the JSW Foundation where relevant.

5. Partnerships, Fundraising & Institutional Development

• Build relationships with museums, galleries, foundations, cultural institutions, embassies,

consulates, universities and corporate partners.

• Develop long-term partnerships that strengthen the institution’s presence globally.

• Direct the development of proposals, budgets, presentations and reports for existing and

prospective partners, prepared with the Heads.

• Ensure systems are in place for tracking partnerships, reporting requirements and relationship

management.

6. Networks & International Engagement

• Build professional relationships across the Indian and international arts and cultural ecosystem,

particularly with nearby Bangalore and other local cultural communities and sites.

• Build Hampi Art Labs’ international presence and network.

• Maintain existing, and develop new exchanges and collaborations with international artists,

curators and institutions.

• Represent Hampi Art Labs at national and international forums, delegating representation to the

Heads where appropriate.

7. Communications & Institutional Profile

• Act as a principal spokesperson and representative of Hampi Art Labs, in consultation with the

Founder and Creative Director.

• Guide the social media and communications approach, working with the Head of Operations and

Media Content Manager, as well as with the communication and media teams, to strengthen the

institution’s public profile and ensure consistent communication.

• Develop institutional narratives, reports and presentations for key stakeholders.

8. Artist & Stakeholder Experience

• Ensure that artists, curators, researchers and visitors have a well-organised, supportive and

professional experience at Hampi Art Labs.

• Review feedback and programme evaluation prepared by the Heads and, where relevant,

propose changes and improvements.

• Ensure that artist engagement is aligned with Hampi Art Labs’ values and institutional practices.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in Art History, Arts Management, Cultural Studies, Fine Arts or

a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 8+ years of experience in the arts and cultural sector, including institutional leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing cultural programmes, exhibitions,

residencies or international collaborations.

• Strong network across the Indian and international contemporary arts ecosystem.

• Experience in institutional strategy, fundraising, partnerships and stakeholder management.

• Experience managing senior teams, budgets and complex multidisciplinary programmes.

• Strong understanding of contemporary art, craft and interdisciplinary practices.

Key Skills & Personal Attributes

• Visionary and strategic leadership, with the ability to lead and empower senior colleagues.

• Strong understanding of, and empathy for, artistic practices.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work across artists, institutions, corporates, foundations and government and

diplomatic stakeholders.

• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of diverse artistic and social contexts.

• Strong financial and organisational understanding.

• Ability to represent Hampi Art Labs nationally and internationally.

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends during programmes and events.

Success in this role will be reflected in

• A clear, shared long-term artistic and institutional vision, and an annual high quality programme.

• Effective and clear communication with the Founder and Creative Director.

• Effective leadership of the Heads and the wider team, with clear accountability.

• Well-managed budgets, sustained funding, and sound governance and compliance.

• Strong and sustained relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders.

• Growth of Hampi Art Labs’ national and international profile and networks.