VP of Creative Direction

M.L. Best Consulting is proud to lead the search for an imaginative and strategic VP of Creative Direction to lead the center’s curatorial and community program operations, infusing every facet of creative, Innovation and a commitment to artistic excellence. As a pivotal member of the executive team, the VP of Creative Direction will play a key role in shaping the Gantt Center’s artistic vision, ensuring its resonance with diverse audiences, and fostering an environment that sparks inspiration and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Direction and Curation:

• Define and articulate the Gantt's artistic vision, ensuring alignment with the Gantt Center's mission and cultural identity.
• Oversee the curation of exhibitions, collaborating with the curatorial team to present a diverse and thought-provoking array of artistic expressions.
• Manage consulting curators
• Diversify types of exhibitions that are housed in the center

Creative and Community Programming:

• Develop and implement innovative engaging programs in collaboration that appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships to expand the center's reach and influence.
• Develop community programs with with internal team members and community partners

Visitor Experience:

• Envision and implement strategies to enhance the overall visitor experience, creating an immersive and dynamic environment within the gallery space.
• Incorporate technology and interactive elements to enrich the connection between the audience and the exhibited art.

Managing the Creative Team:

• Lead a dynamic creative team, including programming and curatorial teams providing guidance on executing artistic goals.
• Conduct performance reviews, offering constructive feedback, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Day-to-Day Art and Creative Operations:

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of all art and creative activities within the Gantt Center.
• Ensure seamless coordination and execution of artistic initiatives, exhibitions, and programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate creative elements into various aspects of the center's operations.

Budget Planning and Negotiation:

• Pitch and negotiate budget plans for creative initiatives, exhibitions, and programs.
• Collaborate with the executive team to ensure financial goals are met while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence.
• Cultivate relationships with local and national artists, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the artistic sphere.
• Engage with the local community to ensure the Gantt Center remains a vibrant and relevant cultural hub.

Innovation and Art-Tech Integration:

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in art, technology, and cultural expression, infusing innovative elements into the Gantt's programs and exhibitions.
• Explore opportunities for leveraging technology to enhance the Gantt's reach and impact.

Key Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in a leadership role within the arts and culture sector.
• Master's degree in Art History, Arts Administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in shaping and implementing a compelling artistic vision.
• Proven ability to curate exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and provoke thoughtful discourse.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of inspiring and managing creative teams.
• Must have strong relationships with artists, art galleries, museums and other art institutions across the country

About the Harvey B. Gantt Center

Named after Charlotte civic leader and former mayor Harvey Bernard Gantt, the Gantt is housed in an iconic, award-winning structure designed by architect Philip Freelon, co-designer of the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The Gantt Center not only houses an array of artistic expressions, from music and dance to literature and film, but it also serves as a vital hub for community outreach and arts education programs. With a mission to present, preserve, and celebrate excellence in African-American art, history, and culture, the Gantt Center is a place where engagement sparks conversations that inspire, empower, and enlighten all who enter. The architectural design of the center, inspired by the Myers Street School and the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, pays homage to the past while symbolizing hope, pride, and the importance of education in African-American advancement.

The visual spectacle of the building, adorned with patterns reminiscent of West African textile designs, serves as a living canvas that speaks to the enduring spirit of resilience and creativity. As you ascend the stairs and escalators framing the central glass atrium, you are not just climbing physical steps but embarking on a journey through time and culture. The Harvey B. Gantt Center: Where You Belong—where every step echoes the legacy of African and African-American contributions to American culture.

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Harvey B. Gantt center and the organization’s new President + CEO, Bonita Buford, is ushering In a new era of elevation, excellence, growth and service to the community at large.