Artistic Director

Cultural Human Resources Council; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dancers’ Studio West (DSW) seeks an Artistic Director to lead artistic vision, programming, and partnerships. The role requires coordinating artists and production teams, shaping seasons, and guiding the organization’s artistic trajectory.

The position involves working mostly remote with some in-person commitments, attending meetings, and collaborating with boards and partners to advance the company’s mission in Alberta and national contexts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a compelling artistic vision for DSW.
• Select and develop programming for each season balancing resources.
• Lead artistic direction for programs and activities.
• Coordinate artists, choreographers, and production personnel.
• Attend production and planning meetings and contribute to strategic direction.
• Prepare annual artistic and program budget recommendations.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Develop, articulate, and carry out a compelling artistic vision that advances DSW’s mission and artistic mandate.
• Provide artistic leadership for the organization’s programs and activities.
• Select and develop programming for each season, balancing artistic vision with available financial, human, production, and marketing resources.
• Present proposed annual programming to the Board for approval.
• Select, engage, and coordinate artists and choreographers.
• Provide artistic leadership throughout the creative and production process.
• Develop production concepts and guide artistic elements and progress.
• Engage stage management and collaborate in the selection of technical and production personnel.
• Attend production and planning meetings as required.
• Evaluate and contribute to the ongoing artistic development and strategic direction of DSW.
• Champion artistic excellence, experimentation, professional development, and meaningful creative dialogue.

Community & Artistic Relationships

• Be an active and visible member of Canada’s dance community.
• Attend performances and events presented by other organizations and artists.
• Develop and nurture creative partnerships and relationships within Calgary and Alberta.
• Maintain and expand connections within the national dance community.
• Support opportunities that increase connection and collaboration among Alberta dance artists.
• Promote DSW’s work and mandate within the broader artistic community and professional associations.
• Build relationships that strengthen opportunities for artists, audiences, and the organization.
• Inclusive & Diverse Artistic Practice
• Advance DSW's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among artists, collaborators, audiences, and contractors.
• Support programming and organizational practices that create meaningful opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives.
• Foster an artistic environment grounded in respect, collaboration, curiosity, and openness.
• Organizational Leadership & Finance
• Prepare annual artistic and program budget recommendations for consideration by the Board.
• Participate in annual budget development and work within approved artistic budgets.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational development.
• Foster positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships among artists, contractors, volunteers, and Board members.
• Help create a strong sense of team within a small organization where collaboration and flexibility are essential.
• Develop positive relationships with government and other funding agencies and communicate DSW’s artistic vision and impact.
• Assist with government grant applications and other funding proposals.
• Support implementation of the organization’s Fund Development Plan.
• Participate in donor cultivation, stewardship, and face-to-face solicitation activities as appropriate.
• Participate in fundraising events and activities, including bingos, casinos, raffles, and special events.
• Leverage relationships within the artistic community to help recruit volunteers for fundraising activities.
• Participate knowledgeably and enthusiastically in donor and sponsor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Help communicate the artistic value and community impact of DSW to funders, donors, sponsors, and audiences.

Marketing & Communications

• Contribute to the development and execution of DSW’s Marketing Plan.
• Provide artistic perspective on imagery, messaging, and promotional strategies.
• Prepare or contribute artistic statements, program notes, newsletter and website content, and other promotional materials.
• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson on artistic matters.
• Participate in media interviews, photo calls, and other public relations opportunities.
• Ensure Board members, volunteers, and contractors have the information they need to speak confidently about DSW’s artistic mandate and programming.
• Participate in pre-show chats, receptions, and special events, helping build meaningful relationships with audiences, sponsors, donors, and community partners.
• Communicate with patrons regarding artistic questions or concerns as they arise.

Board & Governance

• Attend Board meetings and provide written reports on artistic activities and matters related to the artistic mandate.
• Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting, including presenting an artistic report for inclusion in the Annual Report.
• Participate in Board committees as mutually agreed upon.
• Take an active leadership role in strategic planning retreats and organizational discussions.
• Work within the governance framework established by the Board, while exercising artistic leadership and discretion within approved budgets and strategic priorities.

Eligibility and Conflict of Interest

DSW welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their previous relationship with the organization. Current and former members, program participants, contractors, volunteers, and former Board members are eligible to apply for the Artistic Director position. An individual's prior involvement with DSW will not, in itself, constitute a conflict of interest or disqualify them from consideration. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest arising during the recruitment process will be managed in accordance with DSW's governance and conflict of interest policies to ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable hiring process.

Time commitment

• Approximately 22 hours/week, 48 weeks/year.
• Mostly remote, with some in-person commitments including occasional nights and weekends.
• Must be available for regular staff meetings.
• For peak season, about 3-4 weeks per year, in-person full-time (40 hours/week) availability may be required.

Compensation

$44,000/year (inclusive of GST, if applicable)

Applications Close

October 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (applications must be received by 4:00PM October 30, 2026.)

Anticipated Start Date: November 30, 2026, although an alternative start date may be accommodated for the successful candidate.

Please submit:

• Your interest in the Artistic Director position;
• Relevant experience and leadership background; and
• What you would bring to DSW.

Applications must be received by 4:00PM October 30, 2026. Application packages are to be sent to [e-mail].

$44,000 per year (inclusive of GST if applicable)

Dancers’ Studio West (DSW) is a Mohkínstsis/Calgary-based charitable nonprofit organization that exists to support independent dance artists in Alberta.Our mission is to cultivate independent artists’ work from ideation to production so that artists can flourish in their chosen artistic movement practice.Dancers’ Studio West serves artists whose work resonates with one or more of the following artistic values: Innovation; Artistic Rigour; and Social Impact.