JOIN US!

We are recruiting new trustees!

Our Trustees are vital to the success of We Make Culture. They bring insight, expertise and passion for ensuring that music-making is accessible to everyone.

Trustees act as guardians of the charity’s vision and values, helping to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure it remains financially and legally sound. They provide support and challenge to the leadership team, helping We Make Culture to thrive, innovate and stay relevant to the communities we serve.

Trustees are expected to:

  • Attend quarterly Board meetings (usually afternoons or early evenings, in person or online)

  • Attend occasional WMC events/ groups

  • Take part in occasional away days or sub-committee meetings

  • Serve as ambassadors, promoting the charity and connecting us to new networks and opportunities.

    Being a trustee is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.You don’t need to have been a Trustee before – enthusiasm, commitment and a belief in our mission are just as important as formal qualifications.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Finance, legal or charity governance

  • Marketing, communications, or digital engagement

  • Fundraising and development

  • Education, community engagement or youth work

  • Cultural policy and creative industries

  • Commercial Music Industry

  • Lived experience of the communities we work with

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

You will find full details of the role here: https://www.wemakeculture.co.uk/s/We-Make-Culture-Trustee-Recruitment-Pack-FINAL.pdf

  • Being a Trustee is a chance to:

    • Make a meaningful difference to Sunderland’s cultural life.

    • Contribute your skills and experience to a growing, values-driven organisation.

    • Learn about charity governance and cultural leadership.

    • Build new connections within the arts and voluntary sectors.

  • Informal conversations: 4 February 2026 - 6 March2026 2026 (please email Hannah to arrange: hannah@wemakeculture.co.uk)

    Application deadline: 6 March 2026

    Board induction: June Board Meeting (Date TBC)

    We would encourage anyone considering becoming a trustee to attend a WMC group or performance. If you’re interested in attending, please contact: laura@wemakeculture.co.uk to arrange.

  • We want this process to be as open and inclusive aspossible. If you need any information in a different format or require any support to apply or take part in the recruitment process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help.

How to apply

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you. Please send:

A short expression of interest (1 page or less) or a short video/voice note outlining why you’d like to join the Board and what you feel you could bring.

Send your application to hannah@wemakeculture.co.uk by 6 March 2026.

If you’d like to have an informal chat before applying, please contact Hannah Matterson, Chair of Trustees at hannah@wemakeculture.co.uk