Call for applications: Joburg City Theatres artistic director

The successful applicant will be a member of the JCT senior management team and report directly to a centralised governance unit for JCT, located at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.

The position is available for a motivated and creative individual with commitment to lead JCT artistically, building on the existing reputation for artistic innovation, talent development and have a strong vision of how JCT can be a vital focus for the communities in the City of Johannesburg (COJ) and beyond.

Purpose of role

• Develop a relevant artistic vision and deliver exceptional programming for JCT.
• Tell stories which are compelling locally and nationally, supporting and attracting talent and contributing to COJ’s reputation as one of the country’s most vibrant cultural cities.
• Guided by the JCT business plan and strategy, the artistic director will implement and advance the strategy to also be in line with the COJ’s growth & development strategy 2040.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate the artistic policy, artistic plan and creative relevance of all three theatres.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate short, medium and long-term programmes.
• Prioritise transformation, social cohesion and social inclusivity.
• Ensure the education programmes and community theatre work that reflects the overall vision and identity of the company.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer to enhance the programme with guest productions and theatre hires.
• Report to the board of directors on a regular basis to give an update on artistic activities.
• Act as spokesperson for JCT’s artistic purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and at fundraising events.
• Develop relations with other arts and culture organisations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate.
• Direct at least four productions annually.
• Embrace digital content creation and distribution as an integral part of the artistic programming.
• Maintain the short and long-term financial resilience of the artistic programme and develop productive and strategic partnership relationships with existing and future partners.

Requirements

• Relevant diploma or degree in the arts.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing director of professional theatre in South Africa of which at least five years must have been at a senior management/strategic level.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary theatre trends throughout Africa and globally.
• Personal network of relevant artistic and creative contacts within the world of professional theatre.
• Evidence of ability to compile, write and publish an artistic vision and its practical implementation.
• Ability to position JCT as world-class attraction for cultural tourism in Africa.
• Track record of working with budgets, deadlines and awareness of resource and financial risks.
• Strong team player.
• Ability to work under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.

Annual package

• R830 471 – R1 379 340 per annum.
• Five years fixed-term performance-based contract.

Applicants are required to send a cover letter and comprehensive CV to JCT human resources manager Thomas Sadiki at [email protected].

The submission deadline is 10 June.

View the original call here.