Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 Foundation are seeking an experienced, creative and innovative professional to be the new VIVA Festival Director (Valletta International Visual Arts Festival). Festival catalogues from the previous editions are available here:  VIVA 2015    VIVA 2014

Overall Purpose of Position
To programme and champion the delivery of VIVA – Valletta International Visual Arts Festival.
Deliver on the vision and aims outlined in the long-term strategy plan of Fondazzjoni Kreattività, ensuring a high level of artistic excellence.

Reporting to the Board of the Fondazzjoni Kreattività, the Festival Director will play an integral role in the following areas:
Main Responsibilities

Artistic
o Conceive and implement the artistic vision and strategy of the Festival with focus on programming, curatorship, cross-collaborations, commissions and documentation.
o Build a research and development platform for visual arts stakeholders to nurture their professional maturity, creative knowledge and networks.
o Mentor commissioned artists and actively promote a diverse and inclusive policy across creative forms, audiences and communities.

Strategic and Operational Management
o Liaise with the Festival Manager on all aspects of planning, programming, curatorship, documentation, fundraising, budgeting, grant and foundation proposals, venues and networking.
o Identify and approach other public cultural organisations and entities about initiatives which can benefit the delivery of the Festival programme.
o Liaise with the Fondazzjoni on an annual development plan for the Festival programme.
o Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure the Festival brand is preserved and developed in line with the Fondazzjoni ethos.
o Coordinate with the Festival Manager and Marketing and Communications team the curatorship of the Festival catalogue including design, editorial choices and contributors.
o Work with the Festival Manager to develop and increase the Festival’s national and international profile.
o Actively pursue national and international showcasing opportunities for Festival commissions and participates in international networks.
o Coordinate with the Festival Manager to draft an annual report with a detailed analysis on how to develop the Festival.

Financial and Funding
o Plan and work within budget targets set out by the Fondazzjoni.
o Work with the Festival Manager to ensure Festival expenses are kept within the agreed cost forecast.
o Liaise with the Festival Manager to identify and secure sources of funding that ensure the delivery of the programme.
o Work with the Festival Manager to develop and sustain strong, supportive and respectful working relationships with key people and institutions in the corporate sector.
o Communicate with donors, potential donors and sponsors throughout the year, soliciting their continued support.

Supervision Received
o Replies directly to the Chairman of the Fondazzjoni Kreattività for direction, work assignment, clarification and approvals.

Other information
o This is a project based position with flexibility for the Festival Director to develop own work-plan.
o Will be required to work late or on weekends to meet deadlines.

Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications
o Outstanding experience in festival programming and curatorship with a portfolio demonstrating artistic excellence in the contemporary visual arts sector.
o Ability to work and support a team environment.
o A clear understanding on strategic thinking within an organisation.
o Vast experience in contemporary visual arts.
o Extensive knowledge of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors, with special focus on the national contemporary visual arts sector.
o Strong analytical skills in artistic production.
o Knowledge and ability to work in a fully digital environment.
o Excellent networker.
o General awareness of office procedures and business writing skills.
o Experience in project management.
o Thorough knowledge and understanding in fundraising and financial planning and management.
o Proven ability to organise, plan and prioritise own work and work schedules as projects require.
o Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service skills.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Maltese and English.
o Demonstrated ability to observe and acquire new skills pertaining to the position.
o Ability to work under pressure.

The chosen candidate will be engaged on a three-year contract for service. The remuneration is of five thousand euro, excluding VAT, per edition. Payment will be processed by the Fondazzjoni Kreattività on receipt of an invoice with a valid VAT number. On settlement the person is to send a VAT receipt.

This initiative is a collaboration between Fondazzjoni Kreattività and Valletta 2018 Foundation.

The Valletta 2018 Foundation is responsible for Valletta’s journey towards the title of the European Capital of Culture in Malta in 2018. Through creativity and artistic expression, the title will enable cultural, social and economic changes that will have a lasting legacy in Valletta and around Malta.

To Apply: Please supply a CV and a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience match the requirements of this role.

Applications are to be sent to Chairman, Fondazzjoni Kreattività on [email protected]

Closing date for applications is Friday 27th May 2016 at 11.00am.