Board Members
Dancers’ Studio West is a not-for-profit resource and production organization dedicated to the evolution of contemporary dance practices. It will celebrate 40 years of service to the dance community in 2020.
The organization is committed to supporting dance artists at each stage of their profession, helping to increase their capacity to research, experiment, innovate, create and develop their career. New Artistic Director Sasha Ivanochko is developing new programs designed to explore techniques, visioning, creativity and risk-taking in contemporary dance practice in all of its diversity. A public highlight of each season is the Annual Alberta Dance Festival. Envisioned for the future is an elevated national profile, supported by an increased digital presence. The organization has an annual base budget of $175,000 to $190,000 and is debt-free.
Dancers’ Studio West is currently expanding its volunteer board to nine people. The role of the board of directors is a combination of oversight and hands-on assistance in specific areas. We are seeking Directors who first have a passion for the arts and an appreciation for contemporary art forms—be that dance, music or visual arts. We strive for diversity in age, cultural background, gender, areas of influence, skills and community connectors. We have prioritized the following skills and attributes but are highly receptive to alternate skills and backgrounds.
Skills, Backgrounds, Areas of Influence & Connectors:
- Arts, banking, business development, government, post-secondary education
- Branding, communications, marketing, media relations
- Fund development—particularly grassroots donation solicitation
- Governance and Legal (preferably in the not-for-profit sector)
- Human resources
- Networking
- Resource-based organizations
- Technology skills – social media and cloud computing strategies
Attributes & Qualities:
- A passion for the arts and education.
- Willingness to introduce friends and colleagues to the organization.
- A constructive, team-oriented, consensus builder, future-oriented, leadership, high accountability.
- Willingness to help solicit resources to achieve our goals.
Time & Financial Commitment:
- Annually attend 10 to 12 two-hour board meetings.
- Participate in at least one committee or task team.
- Annually attend Annual Alberta Dance Festival performances.
- Annually provide self and/or others for four bingos and bi-annual casino.
- Term is two years ending at September AGM.
- Provide annual personal donation at a level comfortable to each individual.
- Purchase of own tickets to annual Alberta Dance Festival performances.
Interested individuals should contact Wilma J. Slenders, Board Chair, by email at chair@dswlive.ca.
