Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Executive Artistic Producer position at DanceWorks. Please find information about DanceWorks and this position below. We expect successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview (on a digital platform) starting mid to late April. From that process, two to three candidates will be invited for a second-round interview, in person if circumstances permit.
We believe that this role is quite unique and a wonderful opportunity for the right person. DanceWorks is an open, learning organization and we want an exceptional leader, producer and curator who will help create the environment in which people, including yourself, can thrive and grow.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of Indigenous, Black, People of Colour and 2SLGBTQIAP+ backgrounds as well as individuals who identify as having a disability. Accessible formats and communication supports will be available upon request throughout the hiring process. To make a request, contact Jane Marsland at jmarsland@sympatico.ca.
The recruitment process for this role will be led by DanceWorks’ Board Chair with a Search Committee made up of board members and valued members of the dance community. The Search Committee will make its recommendation for the final candidate to the Board of Directors for approval. We look forward to receiving your application.
Yours sincerely,
Douglas Tanton
Co-Chair
Board of Directors
We honour and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who walked the land before us: the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haundenosaunee Confederacy, the Anishinaabe, Chippewa, and the Wendat. We are grateful to live, work and dance on this territory. We also acknowledge that Tkaronto/Toronto, the place
where the trees meet the water, is subject to The Dish with One Spoon covenant, and covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams treaties signed by several Chippewa and Mississauga Anishinaabe First Nations.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: DANCEWORKS, EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC PRODUCER
DanceWorks invites applications for the part-time position of Executive Artistic Producer. DanceWorks encourages applications from all interested candidates without regard to age, race, colour, gender, disability, national origin or any other protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We are committed to fostering an organization that reflects the diversity of Toronto.
If this application or any part of it is not accessible to you, or you would like further information about accessible formats, communication supports, including ASL, please contact our search consultant, Jane Marsland at jmarsland@sympatico.ca.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Artistic Producer plays an artistic visionary and strategic role, accountable for balancing available resources with the artistic programming vision. The Executive Artistic Producer is responsible for DanceWorks’ three major programs.
1. Mainstage Series: 3-4 live performances annually, featuring Toronto and touring dance artists/companies;
2. Moving Online Series: Launched in the fall of 2020, the series shares the
creativity and inspiration of an outstanding group of dance artists working in the
digital realm. The series includes short films, video stories, interviews, as well as
pieces choreographed for the digital stage.
3. Education & Outreach programs: in collaboration with school boards in the Greater Toronto Area, DanceWorks conducts workshops and matinees to
increase dance literacy among youth and the general public.
Working collaboratively with the General Manager, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity in a leadership role to continue the pioneering work of the founding Dance Curator. DanceWorks has a dual leadership model. Both positions report directly to the Board of Directors. The need to collaborate, listen and dialogue in a power-sharing model/relationship can more easily balance the demands, and sometimes conflicting and complex considerations, that the leaders of DanceWorks must face from time to time.
It is therefore important to ensure that there is strong potential for a good working relationship to develop as the success of this model rests on the idea that the Executive Artistic Producer and General Manager are bonded together by shared purpose, values and broad artistic vision, and can combine their collective intelligence to achieve the best results for the organization.
While DanceWorks has emerged from the pandemic in a good financial position, it is examining what needs to change in a rapidly changing world. The organization is currently working on a three-year strategic plan which includes an update to our mandate and vision to reflect our desire to remain relevant to a changing environment. The strategic plan is being developed through a lens of equity, inclusion and diversity to ensure appropriate social justice responses are incorporated within the organization and the communities we serve.
DanceWorks
DanceWorks is a provincially incorporated non-profit charitable organization founded in 1977 and incorporated in 1981. A leading presenter of individual dance artists and small to mid-sized dance companies, DanceWorks provides exceptional opportunities for professional dance artists. Through its relationships and cooperation with presenters in other cities, DanceWorks assists artists/companies to reach more audiences across Canada and abroad, giving wider exposure and encouraging their growth and recognition.
DanceWorks supports the growth/development of artists and dance artistry through the medium of performance, programming high quality work emerging from different dance traditions, by artists who are making a significant contribution to the discipline.Dedicated to creating a vital and vibrant dance presenting practice, DanceWorks embraces dances that take risks and engage a wide range of audiences.
As a leading presenter of dance in all forms, DanceWorks develops and promotes
seasons of high quality, culturally pluralistic dance programming. DanceWorks’
programming supports cross racial solidarity, holding space for IBPOC artists and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIAP+. Work that addresses social justice issues, and challenges racism against Indigenous, Black and Asian peoples is valued and encouraged. DanceWorks advances opportunities for the Disability Community within the dance milieu. DanceWorks cultivates meaningful engagement with dance artists through outreach, education and animation initiatives.
DanceWorks commits to present and support artists/companies well in advance of their performance engagements with the series, and often continues long term relationships with them. Endorsement or commitment from a presenter can assist artists to secure needed resources to achieve their artistic vision. DanceWorks invests in artists’ new creations through commissions, creative and technical residencies, and prior to performance opening, supports community outreach.
DanceWorks is a member and virtual tenant at the Centre for Social Innovation’s Annex location, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have these skills and experiences:
Demonstrated visionary artistic leadership;
Ability to develop a rich, collaborative partnership with the General Manager and Board of Directors;
Have a deep-seated understanding of dance across all forms and wide connections within the dance field. Ability to curate an exciting, inclusive and balanced mix of dance performances. Expertise and a proven track record in dance presentation would be an asset;
Experience in managing the process of presenting dance performances – oversee the operations, which include booking artists, ticket sales, fair practices, contracts, etc. as well as any legal aspects involved;
Capacity to embrace and implement DanceWorks’ current artistic vision, clearly
articulating that vision to staff, board, funders, audiences and all artists/companies being presented;
Develop and maintain excellent relationships with local and national dance presenting networks as well as attend dance booking events;
Cultivate beneficial relationships with dance presenters, artist agents and artists
principally in the Toronto dance community;
In collaboration with General Manager:
– ensuring the financial health of the company: creating and managing budgets,
implementing financial plans, grant writing, designing and implement fundraising strategies to achieve a balanced year-end;
– developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, and designing
operational strategies to ensure consistent and timely progress for
implementation;
– administering personnel areas, including hiring as well as managing all program and administrative areas;
The Executive Artistic Producer has two direct reports: the Production Director and the Education and Outreach Manager;
Potential to foster a positive culture and work environment that welcomes all voices, creates safe spaces for conversation, and values equity, diversity, inclusion, and access;
An enthusiastic networker who enjoys developing constructive relationships in the dance presenting field and is comfortable in seeking out important community partnerships to establish mutually beneficial relationships.
The ability to think strategically while balancing a full portfolio of project tasks.
DanceWorks does not require any specific educational credentials or a set number of years of experience. Qualified candidates should demonstrate skills in artistic leadership, artistic development, programming, and community engagement. They should be very experienced in building relationships with dance artists, companies, dance presenters, as well as audience members, funders, and the media.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
This is a part-time position – 3 days/week
Salary is $40,000
START DATE: Negotiable but preferably by September 1, 2023
WORK LOCATION:
DanceWorks is Toronto-centric and requires the successful candidate to develop a deep relationship with the Toronto dance community. While we provide a hybrid working environment, the position requires the successful candidate to be in Toronto on a regular basis.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and current resumé, in confidence, explaining how your skills and experience are suitable for this position.
If you would like further information about accessible formats, communication supports, including ASL, or an informal chat about the position, please contact Jane Marsland at jmarsland@sympatico.ca. Jane is the independent party engaged for managing DanceWorks’ application process
and can answer your questions by email or you can request that she call you at your convenience.
Please send your application material (as either a .docx file or .pdf file). If you wish to provide a video or audio application, please upload your application and provide the appropriate link and password (if applicable).
Via email to: jmarsland@sympatico.ca NOTE: You will get an acknowledgement that your application was received. We would like to receive your application by: March 31, 2023 or until the position is filled.
