Artistic Director - Urban Ink

Urban Ink is seeking an Artistic Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of artistic growth, cultural leadership, and organizational sustainability.

The Artistic Director will steward Urban Ink’s artistic vision and programming while deepening relationships with Indigenous and culturally diverse artists and communities. This role balances artistic ambition with strategic planning, community care, and organizational leadership, working in partnership with the Managing Director within a co‑leadership model.

Strategic Priorities

Find and champion new Indigenous and diverse artists and stories

Produce meaningful Canadian artistic work with increasing social impact

Expand audiences, partnerships, and national/international presence

Support sustainable organizational growth and a healthy workplace culture

Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership & Programming

Curate and oversee Urban Ink’s artistic programming, including productions, festivals, workshops, touring initiatives, digital works, and artistic development programs

Lead artistic planning and season development in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities

Support artists through all stages of creation, from early development to full production and presentation

Champion new Indigenous and culturally diverse voices and stories

Maintain awareness of contemporary performance practices, artists, and developments in the Canadian and international arts ecology

Foster artistic collaboration across theatre, film, music, digital storytelling, and multidisciplinary practice

Community Engagement & Cultural Leadership

Build and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous and culturally diverse artists, communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partner organizations

Act as a public spokesperson and ambassador through public speaking, media, fundraising, and sector engagement

Support culturally grounded artistic practices, protocols, and reciprocal community relationships

Strengthen Urban Ink’s role as a gathering place for artists, audiences, and communities

Organizational Leadership

Collaborate closely with the Managing Director to align artistic vision with operational planning, financial sustainability, and organizational priorities

Participate in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational growth initiatives

Support and mentor staff, contractors, and emerging artists

Foster a healthy, collaborative, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture

Participate in Board meetings and provide regular reports on artistic activity and strategic opportunities

Contribute to grant writing, reporting, fundraising initiatives, sponsorship development, and donor stewardship

Cultivate partnerships with presenters, festivals, funders, producing organizations, and community collaborators

Support national and international touring, co‑productions, and artistic exchange opportunities

Help advance Urban Ink’s long‑term sustainability and visibility

Operations & Administration

Collaborate on annual program budgets, staffing plans, production planning, and marketing initiatives

Support organizational systems and processes that align with strategic goals

Balance artistic vision with operational realities and organizational capacity

Candidate Profile
Urban Ink seeks a collaborative, visionary, and community‑minded artistic leader with a strong commitment to culturally diverse storytelling. We welcome applicants with a range of lived experiences, artistic practices, and leadership backgrounds.

Ideal Candidate

Leads with generosity, integrity, and cultural awareness

Is passionate about artist development and community relationship‑building

Understands the realities of producing ambitious contemporary work within nonprofit arts structures

Balances artistic excellence with collaboration, sustainability, and care

Is excited to imagine new possibilities for Indigenous and culturally diverse storytelling across multiple platforms

Desired Skills & Experience
Artistic & Sector Experience

Strong artistic vision and curatorial judgment

Experience developing and producing new artistic work

Experience in theatre, multidisciplinary performance, film, music, digital media, or…