Directors are responsible for the day-to-day operations within radio and television stations, theatre productions, art galleries, as well as film, music, and art festivals. They are responsible for overseeing the general management of all operations such as fiscal, human resource and organizational management.
The Director must maintain the organizations public image and its relationships with members, artists, donors, patrons, partners, and the general public. They promote the activities of their organization by participating in the development and production of all promotional materials, including press releases, invitations, and brochures. They participate in the long term planning of events and initiatives and implement the organizations mandate with a constant open dialogue and communication with staff, patrons and the public.
They are employed by radio and television stations, theatre production companies, art galleries, and film, music, and art festival groups.
Skills
The Film & Video industry creates films, TV, documentaries, music video, corporate marketing and training materials and advertisements. This sector employs technicians, artists, managers, communications, marketing, PR, and other business professionals.
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 a Director requires a university degree as well as experience in public relations, media relations, or communications.