Context
With the retirement of Public Energy Performing Arts’ founder and Programming Director, Bill Kimball, Public Energy is seeking a resourceful, dynamic and collaborative individual as Programming Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and in a co-leadership position with the Managing Director, they are involved in all aspects of operating Public Energy, from artistic programming to revenue generation and long term planning. Public Energy seeks a candidate pool from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to bring a new perspective to the organization.

We are looking for a visionary leader and creative programmer excited by the chance to shape Public Energy’s mission and how it delivers on that mission. The field of presenting has changed a lot in Public Energy’s 31 years, never more so than in the last four. This position is ideally suited to play a role in how presenting can continue to be relevant to both artists and audiences. Today’s wide variety of performance forms, and the diversity of artists and audiences, creates numerous opportunities for imaginative programming that has impact.

We are eager to find a Programming Director excited by the breadth of our mandate, which runs from supporting a vibrant multidisciplinary regional scene of creators to hosting residencies with national and international artists leading to world premieres. If that sounds like you, please apply!

What we are looking for

Candidates with some or all of the following experiences and qualities. Please consult the Full Job Posting for further details and qualifications.

Demonstrated and significant experience in presenting the performing arts;
A deep appreciation for dance, theatre and related performing arts is vital, as is the ability to convey that appreciation in an engaging and conversational manner as the public face of the organization;
Prioritizes the values of equity, diversity and inclusion as well as anti-racism in all their professional work;
Ability to be in the community;
Ability to develop, understand, and maintain the balance between revenues and expenses;
Willingness to attend evening and weekend performances as well as to attend meetings and events offsite and outside regular working days;
Willingness to travel to attend industry events in other cities.
Strong preference for a candidate who is willing to reside in the area to best facilitate high quality relationships and interactions with the many local communities.

The Programming Director position offers a number of opportunities

Being part of an organization with a significant national reputation that is highly regarded by artists, presenters and government funders alike.
Freedom to develop new programming initiatives and work in a supportive environment that encourages new ideas and innovation.
Playing a role in increasing the vibrancy of Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, improving quality of life.
Fostering the performing arts ecology provincially and nationally.
Increasing the scope of what Public Energy can offer through fundraising and development.
Offering residencies that lead to the premieres of new work and taking part in co-commissions through the CanDance Network.
Achieving personal and professional balance through a 32-hour work week and shared leadership structure.
Proximity to Toronto/Ottawa/Montréal positions the organization to host significant national and international touring artists.

And a few challenges

Work can be fast paced and urgent at performance time: requires adaptability.
Staying up to date and participating in the provincial and national arts scenes while working from a rural centre.
Growing non-government revenue streams.

About Public Energy Performing Arts

Public Energy’s vision is to be a cultural catalyst that inspires and empowers people through performance, with a mandate to create inclusive spaces where risk-taking artists and diverse audiences meet.

Public Energy supports the creation, touring, and presentation of innovative contemporary performing arts. We present a season of contemporary theatre, dance, and interdisciplinary performance, while building community through outreach programming and developing audiences that are knowledgeable and passionate. Public Energy supports diverse work, both in terms of cultural influences and artistic innovation. We prioritize Indigenous work through our performance curation and through partnerships with Indigenous organizations.

Public Energy has a 30-year history of filling important roles in three contexts: local, provincial and national. By taking part in commissions of new work, presenting world premieres, and promoting national tours, Public Energy has become an important contributor to Canada’s contemporary performing arts ecology, particularly in the field of dance.

Public Energy is an active player with provincial and national industry affiliations, including: The CanDance Network, CAPACOA (Canadian Arts Presenting Association), IPAA (Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance), Ontario Presents, the Electric City Culture Council.

To learn more about the position, including key responsibilities, click here.

Public Energy Performing Arts

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Programming Director