The Creative Director is a senior leadership role responsible for curating and managing Artspace’s exhibitions, artist residencies, studio programs, and professional development offerings. This position blends curatorial excellence, programmatic leadership, and public engagement to advance Artspace’s mission of inspiring positive community impact through art. The ideal candidate is both visionary and detail-oriented, equally comfortable shaping institutional strategy and installing artwork within our gallery spaces. As a forward-facing leader, the Creative Director represents Artspace locally and nationally. This leader must cultivate a vibrant and creative ecosystem rooted in artist support and accessible public programming for not only the community beyond our walls, but also within, stewarding a dynamic community of studio artists that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and creative exchange.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibitions

• Curate 15–20 visionary exhibitions annually across on-site and off-site venues, balancing artistic experimentation with seamless project management.
• Lead the full lifecycle of exhibitions—from artist selection and contracting to install logistics, public programming, and documentation.
• Write compelling curatorial texts and shape audience-forward experiences, including tours, talks, and interpretive materials.
• Serve as a public-facing voice of Artspace through curator talks, panels, tours, and media interviews.
• Work with the Education + Engagement team to ensure exhibitions and educational programming are aligned 
• Oversee and participate in the physical installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, including lifting, handling, and hanging artwork, patching and painting walls, and coordinating with contractors and preparators as needed.
• Maintain gallery standards and ensure exhibition spaces are clean, safe, and visitor-ready.

Residencies

• Direct four residency programs (long- and short-term), with a focus on artist support, timely communication, and impactful public engagement.
• Oversee application processes, selection panels, onboarding, housing, exhibition planning, and evaluation.
• Ensure a positive and professional artist experience through well-structured timelines, responsive communication, and creative collaboration.

Studio Artist Program

• Serve as the primary liaison for 30+ studio artists, building a vibrant, inclusive creative community.
• Manage monthly meetings, shared communication systems, and annual lease renewals.
• Design collaborative and community-facing opportunities that elevate studio artist voices and visibility.

Artist Development & Public Programming

• Launch a new suite of professional development programs including masterclasses and critique sessions.
• Build and sustain artist-centered programs that foster skill-building, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary conversation.
• Partner with peer organizations to deepen impact and reach across the region.

Corporate Art Program + Public Art Partnerships

• Curate and manage leasing and acquisition programs with corporate partners; lead with both creative insight and logistical savvy.
• Oversee artist contracts, transportation, invoicing, and relationship-building with corporate stakeholders.
• Lead public art projects with partnering organizations including handling artist stipends, contracts, and logistics.

Flagship Events & Fundraising

• Lead artist-facing coordination for signature events like the annual Art Bash gala, Arts on the Block and the Holiday Art Fair.
• Collaborate with Development and Communications teams to bring artists into the fold in ways that are authentic, equitable, and celebratory.

Organizational Strategy & Leadership

• Represent Artspace publicly at local and national levels, with confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and cultural leadership.
• Work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team on strategic planning, calendar management, and cross-departmental alignment.
• Track and report on program impact through data collection, artist surveys, and event assessments.
• Support grant and sponsorship development through compelling content creation and clear documentation.

YOU MIGHT BE A FIT IF YOU

• Thrive at the intersection of creativity and coordination - balancing the big picture with attention to detail.
• Have 5+ years in curating, arts programming, or interdisciplinary cultural production.
• Are a strong communicator who can lead public programs, represent the organization on panels, and pitch visionary ideas to partners and funders.
• Prioritize artist care and access—your leadership style is rooted in empathy and equity.
• Know how to manage timelines, budgets, lead teams, and keep projects moving while staying responsive and mission-aligned.
• Are energized by collaboration, curiosity, and pushing the field forward.

Tools & Systems:

• Microsoft Suite
• Asana (project management + timelines)
• Google Workspace (documentation, calendars, team communications)
• Jotform, Curatorial Overview, and customized trackers for exhibitions and residencies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position includes hands-on gallery work and requires comfort with physical tasks such as:

• Lifting up to 40 lbs (e.g. artwork, pedestals, tools)
• Working on ladders and using hand tools
• Standing or moving throughout the gallery during installation and deinstallation periods

Artspace is committed to building an inclusive team. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. We welcome applicants who may approach these physical aspects with creativity, collaboration, or assistive strategies.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

• Competitive compensation range, $50,000 – $60,000; salary commensurate with experience.

• Benefits include full health coverage, holidays, flexible paid time off, and more.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Artspace is committed to a thorough and intentional search process for our next Creative Director. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 9, 2025. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We encourage interested candidates to apply early and thoughtfully. The review committee—composed of staff and community partners—will begin scheduling interviews shortly after the priority deadline. Our goal is to ensure this leadership role is filled by someone who aligns deeply with Artspace’s mission, values, and vision for the future.

Please reach out to Melissa Solis Small, Director of Operations + Finance ([email protected]) with any questions.