Artistic Director | Vilar

Artistic Director, Vilar Performing Arts Center

The Artistic Director serves as the Vilar Performing Arts Center's chief programmer and artistic curator, shaping a distinctive, diverse and compelling year-round program of live performances. The role advances the Vilar's commitment to presenting exceptional and iconic artists across genres at a level rarely associated with a 530-seat venue.

Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director leads the Vilar's artistic programming strategy and is primarily responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating and securing artists and attractions across a broad range of disciplines, including popular music, classical music, jazz, dance, Broadway, comedy, family entertainment and other performing arts genres.

The Artistic Director serves as a key external representative of the Vilar within the performing arts and live entertainment industries, developing strong relationships with artists, agents, managers, promoters, producers and presenting partners. The position combines artistic judgment with commercial acumen, balancing artistic excellence, audience interests, community relevance, financial considerations and thoughtful risk-taking within the unique opportunities and limitations of presenting in an intimate 530-seat venue in the Vail Valley.

This full-time, year-round position reports to the Vilar Executive Director, directly supervises the Senior Artistic Operations Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams responsible for production, marketing, ticketing, education and community engagement, development and finance.

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Specific Responsibilites Qualifications & Experience Benefits & Compensation

Specific Responsibilities:

Artistic Vision & Programming

* Develop and advance a compelling artistic vision for the Vilar in partnership with the Executive Director, shaping and strengthening a distinctive and recognizable institutional identity.

* Curate the overall architecture and pacing of balanced, financially responsible programming seasons, considering artistic disciplines, audience segments, financial risk, calendar dynamics and major programming opportunities.

* Identify artists, genres and programming concepts that deepen engagement with existing audiences while intentionally cultivating new and more diverse audiences for the Vilar.

* Develop programming strategies that serve the Vilar's diverse constituencies, including local residents, destination guests, donors, families, students and arts enthusiasts.

* Regularly evaluate programming performance, including attendance, financial results, audience response and strategic objectives, and apply those insights to future programming decisions.

* Conceive and develop special series, festivals, residencies, collaborations and new programming formats that expand the Vilar's artistic reach and create distinctive audience experiences.

* Maintain awareness of national touring activity, artist availability, routing opportunities, competitive markets, industry trends and evolving audience interests.

* Consider accessibility and community relevance in programming decisions, supporting the Vilar's efforts to expand access to high-quality performing arts experiences throughout the Vail Valley.

* Provide artistic leadership for the Vilar's education and community engagement programming, collaborating with the Senior Artistic Operations Manager and Arts Education & Community Engagement Manager to develop and secure approximately 20 student matinee programs annually, along with workshops, masterclasses, in-school performances and other community-based artistic experiences.

* Identify opportunities to extend visiting artists' engagements through educational and community programming that deepens impact beyond the mainstage performance.

Talent Buying & Industry Relationships

* Lead the sourcing and booking of artists and attractions for approximately 90 publicly presented performances annually, including pursuing and securing iconic and high-profile artists more commonly presented in significantly larger venues, alongside exceptional artists across a broad range of disciplines.

* Develop and maintain strong relationships with agents, managers, promoters, producers, artists and other industry partners.

* Initiate and manage booking conversations, holds, offers, negotiations and deal development through contract execution.

* Exercise sound judgment regarding when to pursue, hold, negotiate, decline or accelerate programming opportunities, balancing artistic value, market demand, competitive dynamics, financial exposure and broader strategy.

* Develop creative booking strategies, deal structures, routing partnerships and co-presenting opportunities that enable the Vilar to secure high-caliber artists within the financial and capacity constraints of an intimate venue.

* Attend relevant conferences, showcases, performances and industry gatherings to evaluate programming opportunities and…