Thistle Hall Community Trust is seeking two enthusiastic individuals from the Wellington region to join our volunteer Board of Trustees and support our vibrant arts and cultural communities.
Thistle Hall is a long-standing, community-led arts and cultural space at the heart of Wellington. Trustees play a vital role in ensuring it remains accessible, sustainable and responsive to the communities it serves.
We are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our creative capital. Our mission is to provide a venue where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We honourTe Tiriti o Waitangi, particularly the principles of partnership, equity, and reciprocity. By embracing diverse perspectives, communication styles, and approaches, we enrich our cultural environment.
This is a voluntary governance role suited to individuals who are engaged, collaborative, and motivated to contribute to Thistle Hall’s mission and long-term sustainability.
What’s involved:
Monthly board meetings (a mix of online and in-person, held at Thistle Hall on Cuba Street)
Active participation in governance, planning, and decision-making
A minimum commitment of 1 year
Contribution to the gallery selection process, helping shape the creative programme and artists featured at Thistle Hall
Collaboration with fellow trustees, our wonderful Thistle Hall staff members and the wider Thistle Hall community
We’re looking for people who:
Communicate with self-awareness, openness, and respect
Contribute constructively to collective decision-making in the best interests of Thistle Hall
Bring an understanding of community development values aligned with our kaupapa: diversity, progressiveness, and excellence
Are preferably Wellington-based
Care about Thistle Hall’s mission and community impact
We are looking to build a balanced board and are particularly looking for trustees who can offer skills and expertise in these areas:
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and understanding of tikanga/kaupapa Māori
Financial literacy and awareness of legal/compliance responsibilities
Fundraising and partnership develepment
Design, marketing, media and communications
What you’ll gain:
Hands-on governance experience in a well-established community arts organisation
The opportunity to directly influence artistic programming and support local artists
Experience contributing to strategy, decision-making, and organisational sustainability
Connection to a network of creatives, community leaders, and sector professionals.
We strongly encourage expressions of interest from people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We will be holding an informal information session for applicants where you'll have the opportunity to meet current board members before joining. We are also happy to explore Board shadow opportunities for those looking to build their governance experience.
If you’d like to know more, please contact Claire (Manager) at manager@thistlehall.org.nz.
If you are interested in this opportunity and you would like to know more, please contact Claire Harris (Manager) at manager@thistlehall.org.nz.
To apply, please send a short expression of interest outlining your background and a short response to the following questions to Claire on the email above.
What qualities and/or experience do you have to bring to this role?
What would you find the most rewarding about being on the Board of Thistle Hall?
What is your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how might this impact on your actions and behaviours as a board member?
Thistle Hall is an independent, inner-city arts and cultural community venue, that is unique, accessible, respectful and inclusive. Thistle Hall is vibrant and visible, and provides a venue and support for a range of communities and their initiatives.
Thistle Hall provides an affordable space for a range of educational, recreational and cultural activities and offers open access to a community gallery. We ask for, and encourage, an inclusive, environmentally conscious and respectful approach when using our spaces.
The Thistle Hall building is owned, and the venue is partially funded by, the Wellington City Council, and is run by an enthusiast, dedicated Board of Trustees.