Capability Building Programs Coordinator

The Capability Building Programs Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of 421 Arts Campus’s capability building programs, including the Artist Residency Program, Artistic Development Program, Curatorial Development Program, and Artistic Research Grant.

The role acts as the central operational link between participants, partners, and internal departments. It ensures that programs are delivered on time, administratively sound, and aligned with 421’s mission to strengthen the contemporary art ecosystem in the UAE.

This position requires high administrative precision, strong cross-departmental coordination, and an active awareness of developments within the local creative community.

About 421

421 Arts Campus is an independent platform dedicated to emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and across the region. A site for research, learning and experimentation, 421 provides a nurturing environment for emergent creative practices and those who want to harness the arts as an agent for social inquiry and transformation.

Program Coordination

Coordinate the day-to-day operations of multiple capability building programs running concurrently.

Maintain detailed program timelines and track milestones, deliverables, and contractual obligations.

Liaise with mentors, facilitators, jurors, and consultants to ensure smooth scheduling and communication.

Support onboarding processes, including contracts, documentation, and participant orientation.

Exhibition and Cross-Department Liaison

Coordinate with Communications, Learning, and Production teams for exhibitions, showcases, or presentations emerging from capability building programs.

Ensure internal timelines are aligned between program outputs and exhibition requirements.

Facilitate the preparation of exhibition-related materials including participant information, interpretive texts, production details, and marketing assets.

Public Program Coordination

Liaise with the Programs team to coordinate talks, workshops, panels, and public activations connected to capability building participants or open calls.

Ensure participant involvement in public programs is integrated into overall program planning.

Administration and Reporting

Manage contracts, documentation, and budget tracking in coordination with Finance and Administration.

Maintain accurate databases and program archives.

Support open call logistics, application tracking, and jury coordination.

Prepare internal updates, briefing notes, and post-program reports.

Partner and Sector Engagement

Serve as a coordination point between 421 Arts Campus and external partners and collaborators.

Maintain awareness of contemporary art discourse and sector developments in the UAE.

Track relevant initiatives and peer programs that inform 421’s capability building work.

Required Experience and Skills

Educational background in arts or humanities preferred.

1 - 3 years of experience in arts administration, cultural project coordination, or program management.

Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneously.

Clear written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic are required.

Familiarity with the UAE contemporary art ecosystem and its key stakeholders.

Core Competencies

Operational discipline and deadline management.

Cross-departmental coordination and communication.

Reliability and discretion.

Ability to work within a small, fast-moving team environment.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Capability building programs run smoothly, on schedule, and within budget.

Participants, mentors, and partners receive timely communication and clear guidance.

Exhibitions and public programs connected to capability building initiatives are well-coordinated across departments.

Administrative systems, documentation, and reporting are accurate and up to date.

Internal teams experience clear alignment between program timelines and exhibition or public program outputs.

The role strengthens 421 Arts Campus’s position as a structured, responsive, and trusted platform for artistic development in the UAE.

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