Board of Directors
Calgary Performing Arts Festival
Term: 2 – 3 years (with the option for renewal)
Location: Calgary (remote options available)
Start Date: September 2025
About CPAF
The Calgary Performing Arts Festival is one of Canada’s largest performing arts festivals, dedicated to nurturing amateur performers in music and speech arts. Many in the community will remember the festival as the Kiwanis Music Festival, its original name before rebranding to CPAF. Founded in 1931, the organization has a proud legacy of enriching Calgary’s cultural landscape for over 90 years.
Our mission is to inspire, develop and celebrate the next generation of artists through performance excellence and personal growth. Each year, CPAF provides a platform for thousands of young performers to showcase their talents, receive professional adjudication, and build confidence.
Role Overview
CPAF is seeking three new board members to begin their terms in September 2025, with specific expertise in:
- Governance
- Fundraising
- Accounting
- Volunteer Management/Coordination
As a board member, you will help guide the strategic direction of the organization, ensure strong oversight and support the festival’s continued success and community impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Guide the development and implementation of the festival’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
- Governance: Uphold CPAF’s bylaws, policies and ethical standards; contribute to effective board decision-making and organizational accountability.
- Fundraising & Development: Assist with developing fundraising strategies, cultivating donors and identifying new funding opportunities. Professionals with fundraising experience will be asked to lead or support development efforts.
- Financial Oversight: Review budgets and financial statements, ensure transparency and sustainability.
- Accountants will contribute specialized insight into financial reporting, planning and risk management.
- Volunteer Engagement: Support planning and oversight of volunteer coordination strategies, including recruitment, onboarding and recognition.
- Community Advocacy: Serve as an ambassador for CPAF by promoting the festival and engaging with community stakeholders and sponsors.
- Board Participation: Attend regular board meetings (typically monthly or bi-monthly), participate in committees and support key CPAF events.
Skills & Experience Sought
- Governance: Board or executive experience with non-profits or arts organizations.
- Fundraising: Campaign development, donor relations, sponsorships.
- Accounting/Finance: Chartered Accountant or equivalent financial background.
- Volunteer Management/Coordination: Experience organizing, leading and supporting volunteer programs or teams.
- Additional areas of value include: arts administration, marketing, law, education, event planning, or public relations.
- A passion for the performing arts and commitment to community development.
- Knowledge of Calgary’s cultural and non-profit ecosystem is an asset.
Time Commitment
- Approx. 5 – 10 hours per month, including board and committee meetings
- Active participation at all CPAF events
- Engagement in fundraising activities and community outreach as appropriate
What You Gain
- The opportunity to support Calgary’s vibrant performing arts community
- Experience in non-profit board governance and leadership
- Professional and personal growth through collaboration with like-minded arts advocates
How to Apply
If you’re interested in contributing your skills to CPAF’s mission and helping shape the future of performing arts in Calgary, we invite you to apply!
To apply, please submit:
- Cover Letter: Explain your interest in joining the CPAF Board and highlight any relevant skills or experience— particularly in governance, fundraising, accounting, or volunteer coordination.
- Resume: Include both professional and volunteer experience in the arts, community, or non-profit sectors.
Submit your application to president@cpafestival.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest and look forward to welcoming new board members to begin their term in September 2025.
