City of Greater Geelong

Expression of Interest - Artistic Director – Geelong After Dark 2020

Submissions closed at midnight 1 September 2019 (AEST).

Artistic Director – Geelong After Dark 2020 

The Arts & Culture Department of the City of Greater Geelong is seeking Expressions Of Interest for an experienced Artistic Director to deliver one of Council’s flagship artistic events, Geelong After Dark 2020 (GAD). 

Established in 2014, Geelong After Dark is an artistic exploration of the heart of Geelong. Held annually, the night is about entering Central Geelong to embrace the unknown.  People are invited to discover the laneways, hidden spaces and cultural buildings After Dark. 

Geelong After Dark is one of events that contributed to the designation of Geelong as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design. 

Now in its seventh year, GAD has enjoyed continued growth, with record numbers of attendees in 2019 reaching 32,000. The focus of the event is firmly on Geelong, with over 70% of GAD artists calling the City of Greater Geelong home.  Many local artists have national and international reputations.  Geelong After Dark gives artists a platform to test new creative ideas and build on current practices while helping to strengthen Geelong’s cultural identity and aspiration to be known as a clever and creative city by 2047.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ROLE

You will continue to build this established contemporary art event to appeal to an accessible and diverse audience.
You will be given the opportunity to produce an innovative and compelling artistic programme, embracing creative risks and showcasing excellence in art activation.

Geelong After Dark partners with key cultural venues in the city centre, shopping centres, traders in Central Geelong, Deakin University, and other stakeholders.  It is expected that the Artistic Director will build on these relationships and further develop links, partnerships and opportunities in 2020.

For a comprehensive Project Brief see page two of this online form. 
Images and details of previous events are available on the Geelong After Dark website: www.geelongafterdark.com.au

GAD2020 will be held from 6pm - 10pm on Friday 1 May 2020.

Responsibilities 

The Artistic Director will have overall responsibility for artistically directing all creative aspects of GAD2020, including selection of artists and development of GAD2020 Program, and ensuring delivery of a high standard of artistic outcomes.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Event concept development 
  • Facilitate an artist selection panel and provide professional advice and recommendations on the selection of the artists 
  • Secure artists and curate the Artistic Programme 
  • Work with artists and venues to develop concepts and deliver installations 
  • Collaborate with the Cultural Facilities and major partners 
  • In collaboration with the Production Coordinator, support the delivery of all operational aspects 
  • Marketing and communications support, including participating in active promotion where required 
  • Budget management and reconciliation 
  • Meetings as required, including post event debriefings 
  • Post event evaluation and reporting 
  • Represent the City of Greater Geelong Arts & Culture Department with external stakeholders and communication as requested 
  • Work and collaborate with the M~M Artistic Director

The above list of responsibilities is provided to give applicants insight into key tasks associated with this role and an ability to respond to the expression of interest requirements. Clarification and clear roles and responsibilities will be negotiated and articulated in the Artistic Director’s contract. The City of Greater Geelong will act as Producer for GAD, including the M~M components and provide guidance, input and support into GAD programme development including staff, office resources, sponsorship and funding applications and acquittals.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Practical and creative experience in developing and presentation of professional, contemporary artistic works in an urban setting.
  • A genuine interest and passion for the process of delivering high quality arts events that engage broadly and facilitate and enable community participation.
  • Knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety in event delivery including risk mitigation.
  • Ability to manage the event as outlined in the event brief, develop and adhere to detailed budget, timelines and monitor expenditure.
  • Ability to direct and manage assistant personnel in conjunction with the Project Manager including volunteers.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Public speaking skills and the ability to appropriately facilitate group discussions and meetings.

Project Outline: Refer to the Event Brief in page two of the EOI form.

Place of Work: A workstation will be provided within the Arts and Culture Department, City of Greater Geelong situated at the National Wool Museum, Cnr. Moorabool and Brougham Sts. for the duration of this contract. Equipment will include for example a computer, printer and telephone.

Remuneration: To be negotiated – between $15-20,000, dependant on experience and demonstrated skill level. 1-year contract including a three-month probationary period of three months with an option to renew.  

Timelines

  • EOI Commencement - Thursday 15 August, 2019
  • EOI Close - Sunday 1 September, 2019
  • Interviews Completed - Friday 20 September, 2019
  • Artistic Director Start Date - Wednesday 9 October, 2019

Application Process - The application process will be managed by the Manager of Arts and Culture, City of Greater Geelong.

You will be asked to provide the following:

  • A statement up to a maximum of 1500 words (three pages) addressing the responsibilities, knowledge and skills required and your reasons for applying
  • Your CV/Resume (you may also provide link to a website to evidence past work)
  • Proof of Driver’s Licence
  • Contact details of at least two professional referees

Interviews will be held via skype or in Geelong during the week beginning 9 September, 2019.

For further information in relation to this position contact:

Fiona Duncan, GAD Project Manager, Ph. 5272 6186 or Email GAD@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact Fiona Duncan, GAD Project Manager, Ph. 5272 6186 or Email GAD@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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