Artistic Directors design and implement the artistic direction and programming of a company and are responsible for maintaining that direction. To help realize their vision, they hire, supervise and evaluate artistic staff including directors, performers, designers and stage managers. They develop and maintain relationships with other cultural organizations by participating in meetings, events, and activities. They are accountable to the Board of Governors for the completion of artistic activities of their company.
The Artistic Director acts as a spokesperson for the company making appearances at public and social gatherings and fund raising events. They are required to develop the company’s program budget and will maintain a written record of procedures for artistic and technical staff.
Artistic Directors are employed by film production companies, radio and television stations, broadcast departments, advertising agencies, sound recording studios, record production companies, and dance companies.
Skills
The Performing Arts are defined as participants using their bodies to express their art. This sector includes dance, theatre, music, comedy, acrobatics, busking, magic and opera.
Creative Direction
Cultural Management refers to the group of people who design, implement, and maintain the creative direction and strategies of an artistic group. They work in many different areas within organizations. Creative, Artistic, and Program Directors design and establish artistic direction and programming, Editors control editorial publishing style, format, and content. The skill and knowledge of a Cultural Manager is essential to the success of film and theatre production companies, radio stations, advertising agencies, and internal corporate design and communication departments.
The Public Eye
Cultural Managers hold a very important position in the public eye. They are spokespeople for their organizations, they make appearances at public and social gatherings and develop and maintain relationships with other cultural organizations. They play a pivotal role in the development of staff and volunteers, teaching, training, and inspiring others to contribute their best work to the organization. A Cultural Manager is confident, outgoing, and energetic, an enthusiastic team player, working with people of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets.
Concrete Skills
Many aspects of a Cultural Managers job require concrete skills to direct the many facets of an organization. Daily routines include administrative duties such as, planning, coordinating events, promoting, marketing, and delegating responsibility. These skills are crucial to maintaining the smooth flow and progress of productions, events, and publications.
Thinking Creatively
Beyond the administrative duties and leadership skills that are essential to a successful Cultural Manager, is the ability to think and act creatively. Cultural Managers face new challenges everyday; they must draw upon their versatility to meet the needs of a diverse network of creative individuals. They face these challenges with enthusiasm and artistic flare.
Typically, Artistic Directors have a college diploma or university degree in arts. Experience as a senior artistic leader or managing people is an asset.