Volunteer Trustee | Persona Arts

Persona Arts is seeking a trustee for our dymanic board. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious and inclusive charity that champions access to opera and classical music across the West Midlands diverse communities.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee of Persona Arts, you will make a real difference by Bringing world-class opera, classical and choral music to new and diverse audiences across the West Midlands. Breaking down barriers to make the arts more accessible to ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities. Uniting people through shared cultural experiences, regardless of background, ethnicity, or faith. Shaping the strategic direction of Persona Arts to ensure its growth, sustainability, and continued success. Inspiring and attracting new audiences, including those who may never have engaged with opera or classical music before. Championing diversity, inclusion and accessibility, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and represented. Strengthening the organisation’s governance and financial stability, supporting its ability to deliver high-quality productions. Supporting bold, innovative performances, like our acclaimed production of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, that excite communities and build lasting engagement. Using your skills and experience to influence key decisions, whether in finance, fundraising, community engagement, marketing, or education.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking committed, enthusiastic individuals to join the Board of Trustees at Persona Arts, an organisation with a bold mission to make opera, classical and choral music accessible to all — especially communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in these art forms. You do not need to be a musician or arts specialist to apply. What matters most is a passion for making the arts more inclusive, along with the right skills, experience, and personal qualities to support our work. Qualities we are looking for and what you will gain A strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of Persona Arts Strategic vision and the ability to contribute to long-term planning Good, independent judgement and the confidence to speak your mind constructively An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a charity trustee The ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing to collective decisions in the best interests of the organisation A willingness to commit time and energy to fulfilling the role, including attending meetings and supporting occasional events Skills and Experience (we would welcome any of the following) Financial management, income generation or enterprise development. Fundraising, bid writing or securing sponsorship. Marketing, publicity, or business development. Charity law, governance, or regulatory knowledge. Arts administration, event management or production. Education liaison, outreach, or community engagement. Music librarianship or IT expertise. Working with statutory bodies, national or local government. Building partnerships and collaborations with other organisations. Desirable, though not essential A connection to the West Midlands region. Awareness or lived experience of the issues facing ethnically diverse communities, particularly in relation to the arts. Experience working within or alongside diverse communities or initiatives aimed at increasing representation in the arts. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Lived experience, professional skills, and community insight are all valuable contributions to our Board.

What will you be doing?

Persona Arts is a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to bringing high-quality opera & choral arts to new and underrepresented audiences. Building on the legacy of BJ Music Events, and artistically led by international Black opera singer Byron Jackson FRSA, we’ve delivered a range of community and professional performances—including a recent production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. We work to dismantle cultural and social barriers to the classical arts, empowering participation and audience development.