Senior Curator & Creative Producer

At National Sawdust, we believe that artistic expression empowers us all to create a more joyful and just world. We curate and produce music and artistic works rooted in curiosity, experimentation, innovation, and inclusivity. We present our work by engaging communities of artists and audiences at our state-of-the-art Williamsburg home and on our digital stage. www.nationalsawdust.org

As a composer, I believe the role of an artist in the 21st century is that of creator, educator, activist, and entrepreneur. I believe that 21st-century artists need to be thinking about how they can affect their communities, on a local and global scale. At National Sawdust, supporting emerging artists is our core mission, nurturing a wide array of voices who are collectively reshaping the landscape of new music for this new century.  –Paola Prestini, Composer, Co-Founder and Artistic Director

A vital member of National Sawdust’s Senior Staff, the Senior Curator & Creative Producer is one of the driving forces behind the identity of the organization’s curatorial programming. This position includes close involvement with the Artistic Director and programming team to lead curation of all programs including series, guest curators, artists-in-residence, special events, etc. This position is responsible for curating the majority of National Sawdust’s arts presenting season, as well as producing select artist projects.

GOALS:

• To continue National Sawdust’s legacy of music discovery that is open, inclusive, and based in active mentorship of emerging artists, while building new audiences and communities of music devotees.
• To continue to raise the profile of National Sawdust by curating incredible world-class, genre-defying, experimental and bold new music-based programs by both emerging and established artists.
• To make National Sawdust a global destination for immersive spatial sound experiences. 
• To cultivate and foster a devoted community of artists who know that National Sawdust is the premiere home for experimentation, incubation to dissemination works.
• To curate and book programs that are mission-driven, artistically excellent, and financially sustainable.
• Excellent relationship development and management skills

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Research artists and artistic trends across musical genres, and other artistic disciplines
• Curate, plan, and negotiate artist fees for a presenting season  including series, guest curators, artists-in-residence, family programming, and special events as needed.
• Process and respond to a high volume of in-coming artist, partner, commissioning, etc. requests 
• Work with Managing Director and Senior Producer &Artistic Administrator to create and update department budgets
• In collaboration with the Senior Producer & Artistic Administrator, provide marketing, box office, and production departments with information needed to advance programs. Onsite support for programs to  ensure success for the audience and program.
• Support marketing efforts for all activities by attending weekly meetings, and ideating with the marketing team.
• Foster ongoing collaborative relationships with artists for existing and future programs.
• Cultivate relationships with agents, managers, sponsors, arts and other institutions for future programs.
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• Tracks industry trends and needs, attends advocacy and networking events and meetings, active participation in the broader arts community.
  
  

ADMINISTRATION / OUTREACH:

• Attend programming, marketing, PR, and production meetings (in addition to other meetings as required).
• Attend meetings with artists and prospective partners.
• Serve as a spokesperson for National Sawdust in the arts community, at conferences, and beyond.
  
  

REQUIRED/DESIRE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Strong network of artists, agents, managers, and industry partners both in NYC and globally. 
• Experience programming a wide range of musical genres and artistic disciplines
• Interest in a wide variety of art forms and cultural movements and trends and follows cultural trends in arts presenting 
• Strong internal moral compass that aligns with National Sawdust mission
• Interest and experience in audience development and engagement strategies
• Thrives in a fast-paced high volume environment
• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments and stakeholders
• Attention to detail while always keeping the bigger picture in mind
• Self-starter who recognizes when things need to be done and takes initiative to do them
• Knowledge of production and advancing programs for artistic programs
• Ability to spec programs and rentals and other opportunities from a financial and production and marketing perspective
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven diplomacy, tact, and ability to interact successfully with a wide range of people while demonstrating deep personal and professional commitment to anti-racism, inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrable managerial experience with proven ability to coordinate on behalf of a diverse team, manage budgets, and meet goals.
• Ability to develop and sustain professional relationships and collaborate internally and externally for the benefit of the organization.
• Budget creation and management skills.
• Ability to work with wide range of people across different cultural industries (ie. jazz vs. opera vs. touring rock shows).
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Understanding of market rates for commissioning and artist fees.
  
  

Compensation:
Starting Salary $62,500 with competitive benefits and vacation package.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. National Sawdust is an equal opportunity employer. 

Application:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to: candidates@nationalsawdust.org with Senior Curator, Creative Producer in the subject line.

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NS MISSION AND COMMITMENT TO ANTI-RACISM AND INCLUSION

The National Sawdust mission is to cultivate an ecosystem of learning, incubation, and dissemination rooted in open and inclusive music and artistic curiosity--driven by the belief that artistic expression empowers us all to be better people and create a more just world. National Sawdust programs seek to lay a foundation for civic and artistic dialogue that takes on the complex realities of gender disparities, racial inequities, climate change, and disabilities that are both visible and invisible. National Sawdust acknowledges that it is not enough to believe in racial and social justice without taking action to confront racism and end racial and social injustice. National Sawdust is committed to centering the arts and artists in the process and inherent challenges associated with its goal of establishing a more just world. For more information about this commitment and actions underway, please click here. DEI/Anti-Racism Commitment & Actions