RESIDENCY DIRECTOR
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 13, 2022
HOW TO APPLY: See requirements below. Please tell us about yourself through a cover letter or video and send with a resume and three professional references (in PDF file format only).
SEND MATERIALS TO: program@atlanticcenterforthearts.org
ANTICIPATED START DATE: June 24, 2022
Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) is seeking a Residency Director with deep knowledge of current visual, literary, and performing arts and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values to lead the vision of one of the top nonprofit, interdisciplinary artistic communities in the world through its signature Artist-in-Residence program. We are looking for a visionary leader who values and respects our 45-year history and will continue our tradition of offering diverse programming, open conversation about the arts and will instill a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the visiting artists.
The Residency Director, in consultation with the Executive Director, National Council, and former artists-in-residence, is responsible for researching, selecting, and scheduling renowned Mentoring Artists to lead its three-week residency program four times per year. This position is also responsible for administering the application process through which these Mentoring Artists select 6-10 emerging and mid-career associate artists to work with them; implementing and evaluating all phases of the Artist–in-Residence program in accordance with approved budgets and procedures; scheduling related outreaches, exhibitions, and public events; and connecting with program alumni.
This is an arts administration position that works in conjunction with the Residency Coordinator and reports to the Executive Director. The Residency Director also curates Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery exhibitions and supervises gallery installations, as well as assists with technical and support needs of ACA partners who lease the facility and any organizational special events. The Residency Director, working with the Residency Coordinator, also oversees the archive and library. This position requires attendance at donor/foundation meetings and provides opportunities to attend national and international field-related conferences and art fairs as a representative of ACA.
About the organization:
Atlantic Center for the Arts, an interdisciplinary artists-in-residence community founded in 1977 by Doris Leeper, has hosted the world’s most distinguished artists from around the world through 184 Residencies. Each year, ACA reaches over 70,000 regional community members and visitors through cultural events, free programs in the public schools, classes, and exhibitions.
Since 1982, ACA’s residency program has provided artists from all artistic disciplines with the space to live, work, and collaborate during three-week residencies. Each residency session includes three Mentoring Artists of different disciplines. Each personally selects a group of associates—talented, mid-career and emerging artists—through an application process administered by ACA. During the residency, artists participate in informal sessions with their group, collaborate on projects, and work independently on their own projects, providing considerable time for artistic regeneration and creation. Former artists-in-residence are a “Who’s Who” of contemporary arts, including Pulitzer Prize-winning composers and writers, poet laureates, Bessy and Grammy award-winners, Guggenheim Fellows, and MacArthur “Genius” Award winners.
Located just four miles from the east coast beaches of central Florida, ACA’s 68 acres in an environmental preserve contain award-winning studios that include a resource library, painting studio, sculpture studio, music studio, dance studio, black box theater, writer’s studio, and digital computer lab; a Visitor Center & Gallery; 28 private rooms and a dining hall. ACA provides housing (private room/bath with work desk), weekday meals (provided by ACA Culinary Artist), and communal studio space. The program is free to all accepted artists. You will find more information regarding ACA’s Mentoring Artist-in-Residence program and our facilities on our website – www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org.
Atlantic Center for the Arts values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value and empower our employees and volunteers—whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual identity, education, or ability. We commit to this guiding principle. We welcome and celebrate the artists who grow at our residencies and those who experience our community programs. We strive to create authentic programs and policies to reflect the diversity of our society to provide an inclusive and equitable space.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have completed an MFA or MA and have knowledge of studio and artistic practices, as well as five years of leadership experience, preferably in the field of arts-related institutions or artist communities. Knowledge of technical equipment such as AV and theater lighting is preferred. Workweek is Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week, but evenings and weekends are expected during the residencies and at ACA special events. This position is exempt from overtime pay. The candidate must be able to lift more than 25 lbs. at any point during employment, and the ability to do so is a requirement of this job.
Benefits & Salary Range:
10 days paid vacation, 10 holidays, plus workdays between Christmas and New Year’s Day, up to 20 days of paid sick time with approval, 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with matching after one year up to 7% of the agreed-upon annual salary, 70% of healthcare premium covered after 90-day probationary period. Meals provided while artists are in-residence. Temporary housing may be available. The salary for this position is $65,000 – $70,000. Atlantic Center for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff and board of trustees.
ANTICIPATED START DATE: June 24, 2022
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 13, 2022
HOW TO APPLY: Please tell us about yourself through a cover letter or video and send with a resume and three professional references with your contact information (in PDF file format only).
SEND MATERIALS TO: program@atlanticcenterforthearts.org
Summary of Position
Residency Director (45%)
o The Residency Director is the “go-to” person for any issues or concerns by all artists-in-residence
o Coordinate Mentoring and Associate Artists presentations
o Evaluate all phases of Associate Artist application procedures and evaluation procedures
o Schedule and implements Mentoring Artist outreaches
o Identify current and future needs of artists; oversees studios and maintains equipment directly related to residencies (i.e., audio equipment, lighting equipment, piano tuning, power tools, printers, WIFI, and all digital media equipment)
o Provide technical guidance and proper use of audio/visual equipment and power tools as needed
o Set lights, staging, and AV components for INsideOUT (final presentation of artists-in-residence) and theater events
o Maintains digital photographic and video archives of ACA residencies and events
Programming (40%)
o Create the Mentoring Artist In-Residence schedule
o Develop “project” or “theme” residencies
o Research potential Mentoring Artists and reviews recommendations from National Council and residency evaluations
o Issue Mentoring Artist invitations, negotiates and signs contracts, and makes travel arrangements
o Collect and post Mentoring Artists’ promotional materials to Submittable.com and ACA website
o Orient Mentoring Artists to ACA’s residency format and conveys responsibilities to Mentoring Artists
o Formulate and compile program budgets in consultation with chief financial officer
o Initiate cooperative ventures with other institutions/organizations related to ACA programming
o Serve as a liaison to the National Council
Miscellaneous (15%)
o Curate all Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery exhibitions and supervises gallery installations, including the annual University Student Exhibit (USE)
o Oversee ACA art collections, including Breaking Boundaries and Icons and Idols
o Consult with architects, contractors, and maintenance supervisor regarding building and landscape design, construction, renovation, and maintenance
o Coordinate programs and facility use with other staff members and departments
o Assist with special events
o Provide input and supporting materials on grant proposals in support of the residency program
o Assist Executive Director with designated projects, as requested
o Produce video programs for educational exhibitions and promotions
o Attend ACA and Harris House openings and events outside of business hours, as needed