Art Program Manager (Middle East)

Manifesto acts as a consulting agency, a cultural entrepreneur and producer. Working alongside companies and public bodies, and in close collaboration with artists, we design, manage and produce arts and culture projects with a strong creative and societal impact.

Founded in Paris in 2015 by Laure Confavreux-Colliex and Hervé Digne, the company is made up of a highly experienced international and multidisciplinary team.

. We advise companies on how to develop a cultural strategy that inspires, unites and has a significant impact on their surroundings.
. We contribute to local transformations by including artistic and cultural stakeholders in urban planning projects and by developing quality creative programs that are tailored to each unique situation.
. We work on behalf of our clients to oversee the commission and creation of original and high-impact artwork.
. We advise museums and heritage sites on their development, enabling them to become vibrant cultural venues in keeping with their surroundings.
. Our international subsidiary Manifesto Expo organizes the production and touring of museum quality exhibitions.
. We operate POUSH, an incubator for artists in Paris dedicated to contemporary creation. POUSH welcomes over 200 artists on eight floors until December 2021.

Description:

• We are developing various artistic and cultural programs in the Middle East.
• We are currently working on behalf of a client with local partners to develop the artistic and cultural program of a major heritage site. As a service provider we are specifically in charge of designing and delivering Art Residencies. Artists from all backgrounds will work in dialogue with traditional arts and craft and technical experts and will play an active role in creating a new cultural destination. The program is initially experimental and will be developed iteratively with the community and key stakeholders.
• We are looking for an experienced freelance Art Program Manager to implement art residencies at both a strategic and operational level, to manage public programs and to contribute to our business development in the region. The ability to work creatively and collaboratively with various partners over different time zones and cultures is essential.

Art residencies strategic development and delivery
. Work closely with Manifesto Executive Team to refine, implement and evaluate the Art Residencies
. Nurture and develop relationships with key stakeholders, local and international partners
. Devise, coordinate and deliver strategic presentations for upcoming projects
. Ensure that Manifesto meets all contractual obligations with the client and stakeholders, and ensure reporting to the Executive Team as necessary

Art residencies coordination: contractual, logistics, finances
. In dialogue with the client’s Artistic Direction, organize artists and technical experts selection (approx. 12 artists and experts in 2021)
. With the support of an assistant, organize logistics such as travel, accommodation, visa requests as well as technical resources for arts production
. Control relevant budgets whilst reviewing for efficiencies and improvements
. On-site operational management of the residency

Public programs and Communications
. Devise, coordinate and deliver Art Residencies related public programs (e.g. exhibitions, open studios, talks, webapp…)
. Coordinate the preparation of communication materials, proof reading, press coverage strategy

Business development
. Devise, coordinate and deliver applications for a variety of cultural projects in the Middle East

We are looking for:

. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work in a cross-cultural environment
. Strategy and Business development experience
. Experience in managing public programs, events, community engagement
. Experience in building strong working relationships with artists and senior representatives
. Experience in drafting and managing budgets, of negotiating contracts with artists and suppliers
. Excellent skills in planning and coordinating practical arrangements for travels, public programs, logistics, small repairs, etc.
. Able to adapt to change and respond quickly to shifting priorities
. 5-year + experience of working in administration in/for an arts venue and a good understanding of the needs of artists
. Proficient user of Excel, Word, Indesign
. Essential: English speaker
. Very important: Arabic speaker
. Additional: French speaker