Links Hall is recruiting for our Fall 2021 Board Class! Please take a look at the board recruitment information below and submit an interest form by July 16, 2021.
WHO WE ARE
Links Hall is proud to be a home for independent, contemporary artists across all performance disciplines, at all stages of their careers. Since 1978, Links has played a pivotal role in Chicago by encouraging artistic innovation and public engagement, and providing time, space, and financial support for the research, development, and presentation of new work.
Founded in 1978 by three experimental choreographers (Bob Eisen, Carol Bobrow and Charlie Vernon), Links became a National Performance Network partner in 1998 and received a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions in 2016. In April 2013, Links and musician/presenter Mike Reed created a new collaborative arts venue as the shared home of the for-profit Constellation and the non-profit Links Hall. As part of an articulated goal to increase programmatic inclusion by engaging diverse artists and audiences, over 50% of Links artists identify as Black, Indigenous, or artists of color.
Links serves hundreds of artists each year through residency programs, artist-curated festivals and performance series, co-presentations with self-producing artists, workshops, and low-cost studio rentals. According to one Chicago artist, “Links Hall matters because it’s quite easy as an artist to feel like you’re always asking for support and resources from the world around you. Links feels like a place that just gives those things willingly and not only invests in the artist but then reinvests in them over and over again.” As an incubator and service organization, Links Hall provides an intersection and interchange among diverse artists, disciplines, and audiences – this intersection is especially important for the City of Chicago, whose communities are often culturally and geographically segregated.
Links Hall continues to grow and innovate, with a dual-focus on technology expansion for performance on film, and pay equity for artists, production crew, and arts administrators. In 2021-2022, we will be conducting a massive overhaul of our branding, website, and database infrastructure, with support from a Walder Foundation $150,000 innovation grant. Links has engaged Ahsek Innovation, led by Kesha Pate, to oversee the effort.
OUR MISSION
Links Hall encourages artistic innovation and public engagement by maintaining a facility and providing flexible programming for the research, development and presentation of new work in the performing arts.
Take a look at THAW 2021: ABUNDANCE, Links Hall’s annual fundraiser in a virtual spectacular format. Produced by a multi-disciplinary creative team and filled to the brim with artists, the event celebrated Chicago’s imagination, joy and generosity.
WOULD YOU BE A GOOD FIT FOR LINKS HALL?
We are seeking individuals who are creative and future thinking, with an understanding of contemporary art and passion for an equitable, creative process.
Additionally, we are looking for individuals who may have these experiences or skills:
- Legal – able to provide legal guidance and assist board and staff with understanding the legal implications of Links Hall’s activities; able to provide guidance on issues such as contract and policy creation and review, risk management, intellectual property issues, and when outside legal counsel might be necessary.
- Human Resources – has an understanding of values-based systems and policies to help ensure that Links Hall is following local, state and federal laws and certain best practices relating to its employees and creating an attractive environment for current and prospective employees.
- Marketing & PR – able to provide guidance and support for marketing initiatives and communication strategies that promote and enhance the mission of Links Hall.
WHAT WOULD BE MY DUTIES AS A BOARD MEMBER?
The Board’s Primary Functions
The Board of Directors provides direction, guidance, and oversight of the leadership operations, programs and activities of Links Hall. The Board supports the work of Links Hall and provides mission-based leadership, strategic governance, and financial support. While day- to-day operations are led by Links Hall’s Executive Director, with the support of staff and volunteers, the success of Links Hall relies on strong partnerships between the Board and the Executive Director.
Board members are asked to:
- Determine and support Links Hall’s mission, vision, and values.
- Provide attentive financial oversight. Thoroughly read and understand the implications of Links Hall’s financial statements and annual budget. Set and approve the annual budget and track financial performance on a regular basis.
- Play an active role in shaping Links Hall’s culture by staying informed of relevant information and reports, attending performances and events, and becoming acquainted with the staff.
- Commit to four (4) standing Board meetings per year (2 hours each), including one (1) to two (2) additional meetings as scheduled. May attend in person or Virtually, so geographic proximity is not a requirement. Meetings are usually on Tuesdays at 6 pm.
- Commit to give a personally meaningful financial contribution at a minimum of $1,000 per year. There is opportunity to explore providing in-kind services in place of the personal financial contribution. Prospective board members will have the opportunity to discuss their individual approach during the recruitment process.
- Serve on at least one (1) Board committee.
- Assist with identifying potential new board members.
- Assist in and attend fundraising activities.
Terms of Service
- Board service begins late summer/early fall 2021.
- Board members are elected to a 3-year term and may be renewed for a two subsequent 3-year terms.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Please fill out this interest form, and submit it before July 16, 2021 for consideration in the Fall 2021 Board Class.
Do you need further help or assistance? Please email Board President Doreen Sayegh at doreen@linkshall.org. You can view a list of current Board Members here.
Members of the Links Hall Nominating Committee (made up of Links Hall staff, current board members, and a group of community advisors/artists) will select potential candidates for future consideration from the applications submitted based on the criteria outlined above and priority needs on the Board.
- Across July and August, a phone or Zoom conversation may be scheduled with candidates selected for further consideration.
- The Nominating Committee will formally nominate the top candidates for consideration by the full Board.
- The Board will vote to approve candidates.
- The candidates will then be formally invited to join the Board in time for our September board meeting.