• Location: Canberra, ACT
• Type: Contract (with potential for extension depending on funding)
• Duration: Until the completion of the festival in mid-2025
• Reports To: COTA ACT CEO and General Manager

About the ACT Seniors Arts Festival:

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has been selected to organise a pilot Arts Festival by, for and with older Canberrans. The festival aims to foster community discussions on positive and healthy ageing, highlighting the active and valuable contributions of older people to the community. The ACT Seniors Arts Festival aims to provide a platform for senior artists to showcase their work, participate in workshops, and engage with the community. The inaugural/pilot festival is set to take place in the first half of 2025 and will include a diverse range of arts, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, multigenerational content and more. The festival will have a range of activities, performances and events – much of which will be focussed on grassroots, community driven arts activities.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Festival Director to lead the planning and execution of the inaugural ACT Seniors Arts Festival. TheFestival Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the festival, from programming and artist engagement to logistics and marketing. This role requires a strong leader with a passion for the arts and a commitment to engaging, collaborating with and celebrating the senior community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Festival Planning and Management:
  • Develop and implement the overall vision and strategy for the festival.
  • Provide support for the Festival Reference Group.
  • Coordinate and manage all festival activities, including programming, scheduling, and logistics.
  • Oversee the recruitment and management of staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Programming and Artist Engagement:
  • Curate a diverse and inclusive program of events, exhibitions, and performances.
  • Engage with local and national artists, particularly those from the senior community, to participate in the festival.
  • Develop partnerships with arts organisations, community groups, government, schools, businesses and sponsors.
• Marketing and Communications:
  • Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy to promote the festival.
  • Oversee the creation of promotional materials, including website content, social media, and press releases.
  • Act as a spokesperson for the festival in the media and public forums.
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the festival budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
  • Secure additional funding and sponsorships to support the festival’s activities.
  • Prepare and present financial reports to the Festival Steering Committee.
• Community Engagement and Outreach:
  • Foster relationships with community stakeholders, including government agencies, arts organisations, and senior groups.
  • Develop outreach programs to engage a diverse range of participants and audiences.
  • Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of the festival.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in festival or event management, preferably in the arts sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including artists, community groups, and sponsors.
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to supporting the senior community.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief outline (no more than two pages) of their experience and vision for the ACT Seniors Arts Festival.

Additional Information:

This is a contract position at the SCHaDS Level 5-6 (depending on experience). Hours of work are flexible, but within 25-38 per week (fulltime in the immediate lead up to the festival). The position will require some evening and weekend work - particularly during the festival period.