Serve on the PS1 Board of Directors

Serving Public Space One (PS1) as a board member is both a responsibility and an opportunity open to all. We particularly focus on people with a background, interest, or life in the arts as we pride ourselves in putting artists in positions of power, including serving on this board. 

Guided by PS1’s mission and strategic plan, the PS1 Board is responsible for the health and sustainability of our organization through strategic decision making, long-term planning, and regular hands-on work.

An active and passionate board supports PS1 staff and volunteer organizers, as well as the arts ecosystem of Iowa and beyond. Our community is diverse and talented, and if you're reading this, we suspect you may be interested in leveraging your time and energy to a stronger arts community here in Iowa City.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS?

We pride ourselves in being "artist-led," meaning a deep connection to the arts is of utmost importance, although self-identifying as an artist is not required. We are also invested in shifting power and giving priority consideration to applications from people with identities that are underrepresented in the nonprofit board context.

Leadership experience in community organizations or professional work is a great asset, and we understand that leadership may take many forms. Experience with fundraising, facilities, budgeting, human resources, and/or long-range planning are helpful, but of equal value is empathy and kindness towards others, a passion for making the world more just and vibrant, and a desire to learn.

Communication skills and experience working with others and functioning as part of a cooperative team are all valuable and part of the board member's role. While it's important for Board members to know (or be willing to learn) how a business operates, it's also important that this group challenges and critiques the status quo.

WHAT COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

Terms are two years and renewable for up to three terms (six years). The PS1 Board may require up to 6-10 hours per month, depending on committee work, projects, and event attendance. Directors are expected to attend the majority of monthly meeting, as well as special meetings as needed. 

One or two half-day Board planning or retreat sessions may be scheduled each year. Each Board member serves on a Board group. These groups meet as often as is necessary to address ongoing business or projects. Board members also are encouraged to attend and help plan the annual Assembly membership gathering, art auction, and Dada Prom as well as lend a hand for other PS1 events.

IS TRAINING OR EDUCATION REQUIRED?

Our board lovingly exists as "a working board" which means Board members are generally more involved in programming, hands-on work, and ongoing projects. Board members are asked to join a board committee with at least one other experienced board member. This makes the PS1 board an ideal platform for people looking for their first board experience as well as a great place for people with other board experience to mentor and reflect on best leadership practices in community organizations. As with everything we do, we prioritize group process (we operate with modified consensus), self-reflection, transparency, and critique in our decision-making process. We value experimental thinking and approaches to problem-solving instead of relying on by-the-book practices. 

This makes serving on the PS1 board a creative, challenging, but ultimately educational and rewarding experience.

And, there are no formal education requirements for PS1 board service!

ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS TO SERVING ON THE BOARD?

It's a good feeling to put your time, energy, and skills to work directing one of the area's most dynamic and experimental art organizations. We attract bright, creative, and talented people from all over, working to make important, innovative, and exciting things happen in our small corner of the world.

We are also expanding our work and visibility. We have and continue to work with well known art organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. If you like meeting artists and art organizers at all levels and work in (or across) m/any discipline(s), the PS1 board offers a great connection point and opportunity to do so.

Finally, we are a caring and tight-knit group. Sure, we get work done and have a solid amount of meetings, but we also work with each other to put on fantastic events and support each other and our various practices.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

You can review PS1’s programs and resources at publicspaceone.com or via our weekly newsletter or our Instagram.

If you have questions or would like to set up an opportunity to chat with a current board member or PS1 staff, please contact PS1 Executive Director, John Engelbrecht: john@publicspaceone.com 

INTERESTED IN SERVING?

Next review deadline is Feb. 11, 2024