Seeking Creative District Project Manager!
January 23, 2024
About the Olympia Artspace Alliance:
The Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) is a volunteer-led non profit organization established in 2011 to preserve, develop, and advocate for affordable live, work, and exhibition space for artists in the South Puget Sound.
Position Purpose:
We seek a part-time independent contractor to support the recertification of the Olympia Creative District and collaborate with the Olympia Artspace Alliance on building a creative database. This temporary, part-time position will compile resources and identify existing programs that support creatives in our communities.
The Creative District is a 30-block area of downtown Olympia that is home to over 150 creative enterprises such as theaters, performance spaces, galleries, breweries, and industrial designers. It is also home to many artists, creatives, and independent businesses that support the arts as an economic driver in Olympia’s downtown core.
We seek a candidate that is well-positioned in the Olympia arts community whose knowledge and connections can assist in developing a Creative District database that identifies creative enterprises including businesses, non-profits, and other entities within the Creative District boundary. We aim to create a comprehensive and real picture of the artists, creatives, and venues that make up our District.
The database will be built from personal interaction with the people, places, and activities within the Creative District boundaries. The Contractor will also have access to existing resources to compile the database, including current data and available information from the City of Olympia, Olympia Downtown Alliance, and partners of the Olympia Artspace Alliance such as Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts, past muralists, and artists.
The OAA will also make database information available to other sources, including social media, and to share content with the community and community partners.
Once the database is compiled and outreach is complete, the Contractor will assist with the due diligence of the recertification process and be the primary point of contact for the City of Olympia. This may include attending and presenting at public city meetings, working with the city’s economic development team, with the arts commission, and preparing slides and reports.
Our contractor will support our programming in 2024, including Art in Olympia Storefronts, mural programming, Space Grants grantmaking, planning and attending Artist Mingles, and other meet-up events, and promotion of artists and creatives.
This contract position will work independently with the support and coordination of OAA leadership and board. This work will be primarily remote, with weekly in person meetings and additional meetings as needed.
Compensation:
The total project budget for this position is approximately $18,000 with a timeline of February to December 2024.
The role of the Project Manager is to:
Create a database of creatives/artists businesses, venues, and spaces.
Attend Olympia Artspace Alliance board meetings and advocacy meetings for reporting (as needed).
Support OAA in planning public events (as needed).
Provide Creative District related reports for the City of Olympia.
Marketing contributions, including update website and social media listings
Additional Information & Requirements:
Our project manager must have access to technology and be able to engage in our online project management software. Knowledge of data and spreadsheet management is also necessary in this role.
While not required, our ideal candidate will be a resident of the South Puget Sound (note: much of this work will happen in person and will require building local relationships).
We will consider individuals, teams, and organizations to accomplish this work.
Applicants do not need to have a business license or business insurance to apply for this opportunity, but please note that this work will incur a 1099 and the contractor will be responsible for all taxes and fees.
Some evening and weekend work may be required in this role.
Candidates must have a valid form of identification.
Olympia Artspace Alliance programs, grants, and employment practices are free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or disability. We aim to nurture and support the role of the arts and artists in the South Puget Sound and work to create economic opportunities for artists. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and require all contractors to treat community members with respect and dignity.
How to apply:
Applicants should email the following to info@olympiaartspace.org with subject line RE/Creative District Director:
A letter of interest, sharing as much personal information about yourself as you are able and willing to disclose. We’d like to get to know you!
A narrative (not to exceed three paragraphs) of how you would accomplish the work, your vision for the project, and what excites you about the opportunity.
Your CV or resume
Three professional references
Application Opens Tuesday, January 23, 2023 & Closes Tuesday, February 13, 2024
