Art is Life Augusta
Augusta Ballet's blog highlighting art & community
"AUGUSTA IS NOT JUST A PLACE TO RESIDE;
FULL OF ART IT IS A PLACE TO LIVE."
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Augusta Ballet, located in Augusta, Ga., is currently seeking a new Executive Director.
Applicants may send cover letters and résumés via email (info@augustaballet.org) or fax (706-261-0551). Deadline to apply is March 1, 2013.
Job Summary
The Executive Director is the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of Augusta Ballet. The Executive Director is knowledgeable of all aspects of Augusta Ballet and adheres to its mission and purpose as stated in the organization’s Bylaws. All employees of Augusta Ballet report to the Executive Director according to the organizational structure. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and serves as a non-voting member of the Board.
Essential Functions
The Executive Director will provide administrative leadership to all aspects of Augusta Ballet by
- Developing for all employees of Augusta Ballet job descriptions that clearly state responsibilities, performance goals, and evaluation criteria;
- Facilitating communication among all employees;
- Conducting regularly scheduled staff meetings;
- Providing operational reports as required by the Board of Trustees;
- Administering a performance evaluation system for all employees of Augusta Ballet;
- Meeting regularly with the leadership of Augusta Ballet committees.
The Executive Director will manage all financial operations of Augusta Ballet by
- Developing an annual budget in cooperation with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees;
- Operating the organization within the annual budget as approved by the Board of Trustees;
- Providing direction for maintenance of financial records of Augusta Ballet with the guidance of the organization’s accountant and the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees;
- Monitoring the cash flow of the organization;
- Developing and preparing, in cooperation with the organization’s accountant, all financial reports requested by the Board of Trustees.
- Approving and signing all contracts approved by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the organization.
The Executive Director will set and achieve development and fundraising goals by
- Acquiring donations and sponsorships on behalf of Augusta Ballet
- Working with staff and Trustees to set goals for obtaining income and in-kind donations from foundations, sponsors, individual patrons, and businesses;
- Defining and clarifying the development responsibilities of staff members, Trustee committees or individual Trustees;
- Overseeing the development of prospective grant sources, the preparation of grant applications, and the reporting requirements of grantors;
- Overseeing the development of sponsor benefit packages, recruitment, and follow-up;
- Overseeing the development and implementation of a program to increase income from individual donors;
- Identifying sources for appropriate in-kind donations and obtaining those donations;
- Working with staff, Trustees, and other volunteers to organize and implement appropriate fundraising events in the community.
The Executive Director will set and achieve marketing goals by
- Working with staff to develop goals for all categories of ticket sales;
- Developing, with staff and/or contracted persons, the strategies for achieving sales goals;
- Approving all marketing publications, advertisements, public service announcements, press releases and electronic communications;
- Evaluating the effectiveness of marketing strategies.
The Executive Director will gain appropriate community visibility and positive public image for Augusta Ballet by
- Effectively representing and creating awareness of Augusta Ballet and its history to community and civic organizations;
- Organizing, training and supporting a team of staff persons, Trustees and volunteers to represent Augusta Ballet;
- Overseeing outreach and educational programs for schools and other community organizations;
- Understanding and supporting the activities of Augusta Ballet committees;
- Attending public performances presented by Augusta Ballet.
Qualifications
The Executive Director of Augusta Ballet should possess the following experiences and qualifications:
- Strong working knowledge of the structure, purpose, and management of non-profit organizations;
- Strong working knowledge of fundraising, financial management, and financial reporting;
- Understanding of the role and needs of a presenting arts organization;
- Skills in interpersonal communication and team-building;
- Ability to work effectively with a Board of Trustees;
- Strong computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, electronic communication, and, preferably, financial management software;
- A baccalaureate degree in business, non-profit management, fine arts management or other appropriate academic discipline;
- Excellent communication skills in writing and speaking.
Compensation
The Executive Director will receive a compensation of $35,000 in addition to a variable income based on fundraising results.
About Augusta Ballet
Mission
Augusta Ballet promotes positive world vision and quality of life in the Central Savannah River Area via exceptional dance performances, educational outreach and creative collaborations in recognition of community. With a renewed vision to inspire and unite the world through dance, Augusta Ballet continues to advance its 1962 mission based on fiscal, artistic and community integrity. For fifty years Augusta Ballet has served the CSRA as its premiere Ballet, consistently increasing its quality of art, education and partnerships on both national and local levels. Part of Augusta Ballet’s ongoing mission is to identify channels in which dance can highly serve community, such as promoting and implementing the athleticism of dance in response to Georgia’s current obesity epidemic among children. Augusta Ballet realizes creating a “better” quality of life hinges on quality art and partnerships.
Brief History
Augusta Ballet was established in 1962 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1964. After years of talent and support, the Ballet rose from a small civic ballet to a nationally recognized arts organization. Today, Augusta Ballet presents internationally acclaimed dance companies with tour schedules primarily in major cities. In 2011, Augusta Ballet formed its vision to unite and inspire the world through dance. This vision arose out of Augusta Ballet’s season, Dance in the Garden City (2010-2012), celebrating and shaping a healthy community via dance, science and sport partnership. This programming, including the conceptual sport-meets-art exhibition Bike for the Ballet, has evolved into long-term outreach: Augusta Ballet’s Good Moves, empowering children and families to lead healthier lives. Part of Good Moves entails ongoing Master Classes, offering students the finest global dance education. Augusta Ballet continues to enhance the cultural climate of the CSRA while nurturing and promoting young local talent.
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Augusta Ballet Inspires and Unites Community through Dance for 50 Years:
What a great time to be in Augusta when it comes to the arts. This year our Westobou Festival, which Augusta Ballet helped launch via its presenting Slowing Dancing & other world-class works, is on fire. Augusta Ballet inspired Westobou’s slogan: “Connect with the Unexpected”. An integral part of a growing community of art, Augusta Ballet carries its torch/vision year-round: “to inspire and unite the world through dance”. This year Augusta Ballet celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the namesake “Season of the Surreal”. Surreal is defined as “having the quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic”, and that is exactly what our path has been. This year we will take audiences on a journey of looking back (via a special archival project), while boldly looking ahead. Along the way we will continue to celebrate and elevate our greater community through dance. We encourage you this year to support YOUR ballet, the premier Ballet of the Central Savannah River Area for half a century. With your partnership, we will continue to make Augusta, not just a place to reside, but an inspiring place to live. Click photo for our season preview.
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Note from Gould Hagler, 2011-2012 President of Young Friends of Augusta Ballet (Y-FAB)
What makes a town worth living in today? When I was in college, many of my friends would talk about getting out of school and moving to Atlanta. Most people I know long for moving out of Augusta in favor of the bustle of Atlanta, but not me. We’ve got it pretty good here in Augusta. We have great culture at our disposal.
Appreciating the arts is a valuable trait. Art plays to our emotions and evokes reactions from us. Art, dance, music, creativity…they all help us lead satisfying and interesting lives. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about going to the ballet last year. I remember visiting the ballet as a kid when I made my mother promise never to take me again after forcing me to sit through the Nutcracker; I kept asking when they were going to start talking!
I went to Augusta Ballet’s presentation of Botanica by MOMIX. Instead of being bored I was actually very impressed by how much skill and tone it takes to move across the stage the way the performers did. I had some friends decline my invitation to see Botanica (which was followed by tapas at La Maison). They stayed at home that night and life passed them by. I went out and lived. And I enjoyed it. When someone asked me what I had done the previous night I was able to say, “You’ll never guess!”
Humans need art and entertainment to lead satisfying lives. Separate yourself from boredom; go out and find something to appreciate this weekend. Help make our city a more appealing place for everyone. Support the arts in Augusta. Take a walk or bike ride on the Canal towpath, or do what I often do in the summer: grab an inner tube and float! Life goes on whether you choose to participate or not.
Gould Hagler is a member of the board of directors for Historic Augusta and Sacred Heart Cultural Center. He is an Ironman (70.3) triathlete and accomplished mountaineer, known to overindulge in life and the pursuit of happiness. Gould’s blog is www.bourbonisbetter.com
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Augusta Ballet’s 8th Annual Gala: Surreal Event for a Real Cause
The day after the birthday of famed surrealist painter Salvador Dali, Augusta Ballet hosted its Surreal Gala on May 12, 2012. Dali’s work inspired the larger than life mosaic by Paul Pearman at Georgia Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine, where the Ballet became the first guest art organization. Pearman’s work prompted the event’s 1920s surrealist theme, a magnificent setting for a night of dance and laughter. Announced via program was Augusta Ballet’s approaching 50th year anniversary: “Season of the Surreal”. The event also marked the creation of a new branch of Young Friends of Augusta Ballet (Y-FAB), the Augusta Ballet Follies, who contribute to the artistic quality of events. Set to live hot jazz of the era, Follies welcomed guests from a 1934 Gatsby-style Packard complete with crystal vases, which once stored flowers (the historic vehicle, an art installation itself). To make room for dancing the event occupied three levels: Dancers Heidi Rosenau and Joe McGlynn of New York (shown in pic) inspired 20s dancing in the Gatsby Salon, while other guests mingled among two other levels: Midnight in Paris with 20s menu and auction items and the third floor Dali Lounge with signature cocktails and surrealist dance-related film. The Surreal Gala was designed to reflect Augusta Ballet’s stage and vision “to inspire and unite the world through dance”. The event’s fiscal, artistic and community integrity, embodying the Ballet’s unwavering commitment to quality, was made possible by generous community support; see our program for a list of these event and season sponsors. Next up is another “surreal” event for a real cause: Bike for the Ballet (B4B), a virtual regional art exhibition in support of Ballet outreach fighting childhood obesity via dance. More coming on B4B…we are currently working on an exciting related project we’ll post soon. If you didn’t get a chance to show your support at the Surreal Gala, click the above pic to visit our website and select the tab “sponsorship”. Your support empowers Augusta Ballet to make Augusta an excellent place to live.
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On May 12, 2012 Augusta Ballet will host a 1920s “Surreal Gala” under the Salvador Dali-inspired mosaic sculpture at Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine. Dancers Heidi Rosenau (shown above) & Joe McGlynn, who recently danced for the Museum of the City of New York and Brooklyn Museum of Art, will entertain gala guests in full 20s garb set to live hot jazz of the era. Gala dress is black tie optional or attire evoking the event. What to wear if going the 20s/creative route? Check out Heidi’s suggestions in the above pic. Doesn’t hurt she works at the Frick Collection in New York, where she is seen daily in a variety of magnificent 20s frocks. Henry Clay Frick’s exquisite mansion (1913) on 5th Avenue houses one of the most revered art collections in the world. Augusta Ballet is excited to bring you one of its living treasures. Gala proceeds go to the Ballet’s programming including its fight against childhood obesity via dance and partnership. Secure tickets via www.augustaballet.org.
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Canopied under the colossal mosaic at Georgia Health Sciences University’s new College of Dental Medicine, Augusta Ballet will host its Surreal Gala. This impressive work created by Paul Pearman, local artist of national and now international recognition (the work recently won an internationally coveted mosaic award), evokes the style of famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Pearman cites Dali’s painting: Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man (1943) as the work’s main inspiration; Dali’s metamorphic painting exhibits a canopy similar to the sculpture’s tiers appropriately representing the stages of education. Complexities aside, the sculpture and locale are a stunning back drop for a Surreal Gala for a real cause: Augusta Ballet’s child programming fighting obesity via dance and partnership. For advance online tickets click photo.
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”Surreal” ballet circa 2012
British born fashion designer, Gareth Pugh, returned to his dancing routes when asked to create the costumes for the new Wayne McGregor ballet at the Royal Opera House, London. With Mark Ronson composing the score and Pugh’s notorious sharp edges and spiky angles dominating the costumes, this is one ballet performance with attitude. We think the costume here recalls those designed by Pablo Picasso for the world’s first surreal ballet in 1917; apparently McGregor thinks so too: Click above photo for video sample.
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The first “surreal” work of art was the ballet “Parade” performed in May of 1917:
The word “surreal” was coined by the poet/art critic Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918), and appeared for the first time in the program notes for ballet Parade (May 1917), a Ballets Russes production that enlisted the talents of Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Erik Satie and Leonid Massine. Click above program for video account including commentary by Cocteau.
