opportunities
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage hosts a number of opportunities throughout the year from open calls to training.
Head of Heritage and Collections
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is seeking an exceptional Head of Heritage and Collections to lead the strategic development, management and interpretation of one of the UK’s leading collections dedicated to the histories, cultures and artistic contributions of Britain’s African and African Caribbean communities.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping Serendipity’s heritage vision and ensuring that its collections, archives, exhibitions, publications, research and public programmes continue to set national standards for excellence, scholarship and community engagement.
Working closely with the CEO and Artistic Director, the Head of Heritage and Collections will provide strategic leadership across the organisation’s heritage portfolio, ensuring that heritage informs every aspect of Serendipity’s artistic, educational and public programme.
The role encompasses leadership of Serendipity’s collections, archives, exhibitions, oral history programme, publications and heritage research, alongside responsibility for major public programmes.
The Head of Heritage and Collections will establish and strengthen partnerships with museums, archives, universities, libraries and heritage organisations locally, nationally and internationally, ensuring that Serendipity remains at the forefront of Black arts and heritage practice.
The post requires occasional evening and weekend working to support Serendipity’s public programme.
Click Here for the Head of Heritage and Collections Job Description
Organisation: Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
Location: Leicester
Contract: Initial Fixed Term Contract with 6-month and 12-month reviews. Permanent contract subject to probationary period and funding.
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week (some evenings and weekends)
Salary: £30,000–£32,000 gross per annum (subject to experience)
Reports to: CEO and Artistic Director
Responsible for: Heritage and Collections Team, freelancers, consultants, volunteers, placement students and interns (as agreed with the Chief Executive and Artistic Director).
Start Date: August-September 2026
Deadline: 20 August 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter detailing their qualifications, experience. Applications should be sent to: opportunities@serendipity-uk.com
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups within the arts sector.
Call out for let's dance international frontiers 2027
Let’s Dance International Frontiers
Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) is a vibrant and dynamic annual dance festival that launches each year on 29 April, coinciding with International Dance Day. At its core, LDIF is dedicated to celebrating the art of dance while also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural discourse, with a focus cultural heritage rooted in the African, African Caribbean and Latinx Diaspora. The festival offers a diverse and innovative programme that encapsulates the rich international tapestry of Leicester, featuring an array of performances, engaging discussion seminars, hands-on masterclasses, and an insightful annual conference.
Over the past sixteen years, LDIF has emerged as a crucial platform for the arts, showcasing over 340 artists and dance companies. This includes an impressive tally of 92 UK premieres and 49 world premieres, highlighting its role as a launchpad for new works and talent in the dance community. In addition, LDIF has prioritised the development of emerging artists through various initiatives such as Signatures and the Black British Dance Platform, in partnership with FABRIC. The festival also features masterclasses, discussions, film and local, national and international networking.
New Works: Solos and Duets
New Works: Solos and Duets was first introduced for LDIF26. This platform seeks to present emerging artists sharing new and developing works. Works should feature one or two dancers and be between 5-15 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a studio space. New Works: Solos and Duets will take place on Friday 30 April 2027.
Signatures
Signatures is LDIF’s flagship platform supporting emerging dance artists to showcase new finished works. Works should feature a maximum of five company members, be no longer that 15-20 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a mid-scale theatre space. Signatures will take place on Wednesday 5 May 2027.
Timeline
- Sunday 4 October 2026, 11.59pm BST: Deadline for applications.
- October – November 2026: Expected decision made on applications.
- Friday 30 April 2027 and Wednesday 5 May 2027: Performances as part of Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2027.
For further information and to apply, click the button below.
