Due to retirements, the Swansea Festival Board is seeking the services of a self-employed Artistic Director and a self-employed Administrator with effect from April 2014, initially for a fixed period until December 2015 with a view to renewal subject to operational needs and funding. Working alongside present personnel, the appointees will assist in the delivery of the 2014 Festival whilst also planning for 2015 and beyond.

Held annually during the first complete fortnight of October, Swansea Festival of Music & the Arts currently comprises a music programme at Brangwyn Hall (orchestral and choral concerts, solo recitals, schools outreach projects) and events promoted by other venues/companies. These include Welsh National Opera at the Grand Theatre, jazz and dance at Taliesin Arts Centre and visual art exhibitions/installations at various locations. An educational outreach programme will require implementation and further development by the appointees. A copy of the 2012 Festival Diary, for further information, will be mailed on receipt of application.

The appointees will be expected to work on a self-scheduling basis from their home or existing workbase, to attend Board and other meetings in Swansea or elsewhere as required and to be present at all Festival events and associated rehearsals. Reasonable travel expenses and accommodation will be reimbursed at agreed rates.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A daily rate of £200 (plus VAT if applicable) payable monthly upon invoice up to a maximum of 52 days in each year.

DUTIES:
• To plan and deliver the Festival’s annual music and outreach programme with due regard to excellence, distinctiveness and viability.
• To work with the Board towards a strategic vision for the future of the Festival.
• To market the Festival effectively, engage with attenders and develop new audiences.
• To liaise with venues/arts organisations in the City to achieve a diverse range of
artform events within the Festival period.
• To produce a balanced budget, reflecting costs of the music and outreach programmes and of marketing the Festival as a whole.
• To prepare well-reasoned funding applications and work with the Board towards a
strategy to increase funding from various sources.
• To advocate the value of the Festival to a range of present and potential stakeholders with
particular view to gaining sponsorship and maximising income.
• To present regular progress reports at Board meetings.

ESSENTIAL:
• Thorough knowledge of music repertoire and informed interest in a range of artforms.
• Proven experience of successful programme planning, marketing and delivery from artistic and financial standpoints.
• Experience of successful outreach and audience development.
• Experience of successful negotiation with funding bodies, sponsors, orchestral managements and artists’ agents to maximise value for money.
• Knowledge of contemporary developments in arts funding and media.
• Ability to build and sustain positive working relationships.
• Fluent communication and IT skills, access to IT equipment.

DESIRABLE:
• Fluency in (or working knowledge of) the Welsh language.

Applicants should send a letter of application detailing skills and experience in full, citing two referees, to:
Festival Administrator,
9, Gabalfa Rd.,
Sketty,
SWANSEA SA2 8NF
to be received no later than Friday, January 10th

……….

FESTIVAL ADMINISTRATOR
A daily rate of £115 (plus VAT if applicable) payable monthly upon invoice up to a maximum of 156 days in each year. It is anticipated that the weekly time commitment will be 3 days on average, subject to operational needs.

DUTIES:
• To implement the Artistic Director’s plans, liaising with orchestral managements and artists’ agents regarding contracts, rehearsals, staging and accommodation.
• To implement the outreach programme.
• To compile, commission and proof-read Festival diary, advertising, programme and bilingual website, making necessary arrangements with designers and printers.
• To keep up to date the bilingual website and develop a vibrant social media profile for the Festival.
• To hold regular meetings with Artistic Director, Brangwyn Hall management, providers of freelance marketing, publicity and sponsorship services and to monitor activity against budget allocations.
• To maintain membership records of Individual Sponsors’ Scheme and administer its benefits.
• To increase income generation from Individual Sponsors, Trusts and Foundations in accordance with targets agreed with the Board.
• To provide full support to the Artistic Director in making funding applications.
• To liaise with venues/arts organisations in the City and beyond as necessary.
• To answer a wide range of enquiries by post, telephone, email and social media.

ESSENTIAL:
• Experience of working in the arts in an administrative or marketing capacity.
• Fluent communication and IT skills, use of own IT equipment.
• Experience of use of social media.
• Ability to prioritise and complete work to deadlines.
• Flair for organisational detail.
• Keen awareness of budgetary and cashflow implications throughout the planning process.
• Working knowledge of music repertoire.

DESIRABLE:
• Fluency in (or working knowledge of) the Welsh language

Applicants should send a letter of application detailing skills and experience in full, citing two referees, to:
Festival Administrator,
9, Gabalfa Rd.,
Sketty,
SWANSEA SA2 8NF
to be received no later than Friday, January 10th