2025-10-25
 
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Artistic Direction and Co-Executive Leadership

La Chapelle is seeking a new person to bring a strong vision and help write the next chapter of its story.

We enthusiastically welcome bold and creative applications and pay particular attention to proposals for co-leadership and shared decision-making models. We prioritize individuals who embody a commitment to equity. La Chapelle adheres to the principle of equal employment opportunity and aims to reflect the cultural, identity, sexual, gender, and linguistic diversity of people living in Quebec. We therefore encourage applications from people traditionally underrepresented, including Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQIA2S+, and disabled communities, as well as those at the intersections of these identities. We would be delighted to receive proposals from individuals representing a diversity of performing arts practices, interested in La Chapelle’s multidisciplinary mission.

Please note that the office and theater spaces are only accessible by stairs.

About La Chapelle

Located steps from the vibrant Saint-Laurent Boulevard in the heart of Montreal, La Chapelle was founded in 1990 and celebrated its 35th anniversary last May. It is both a creative space, a performance venue, and an organization dedicated to promoting the performing arts, supporting artistic avant-garde and emerging creation.

The venue is a hub for encounters and reflection, welcoming local and international performing artists. It acts as a catalyst for contemporary creation and a platform for presenting performing arts in all their diversity and complexity. Guided by a passion for showcasing innovative events and committed to the visibility of artists, La Chapelle’s mission is to energize the professional arts community, cultivate an audience attuned to subversive approaches, and enrich contemporary artistic heritage.

Leadership Structure

Historically, leadership was held by one person in the role of Executive and Artistic Director. We are exploring a new co-leadership structure, with shared executive responsibilities between the Artistic Director and Administrative Director.

The Board of Directors recognizes that this transition will require its support and is committed to providing it.

Responsibilities and Nature of the Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will define major directions, development strategies, and funding plans, ensuring their implementation. You will also set the artistic vision of the organization, its overall orientation, and oversee its long-term sustainability.

With a critical eye on performing arts and a bold artistic vision, you demonstrate a strong ability to conceive innovative programming and promote fresh ideas for contemporary creation.

Attentive to the needs of the cultural ecosystem, you are committed to ensuring healthy working conditions. In close collaboration with the co-executive leadership and team members, you will consolidate the organization’s strengths within an inspiring and coherent vision. You value collaborative work.

Given the current socio-economic context, you enjoy challenges and are interested in key areas such as public and private funding, organizational stability and governance, artistic renewal, equity, audience development, communication strategies, visibility, and local and international partnerships. La Chapelle’s positioning regarding emerging creation and unconventional artistic exploration represents both a leverage and a significant challenge for the organization’s development. The person sought will embrace these major issues. Strategic planning and implementation of an immobilization plan will be among the major responsibilities.

Desired Profile

Artistic Direction:

  • Significant experience in artistic direction within a cultural organization or creative company
  • Solid knowledge of local, national, and international presentation
  • Ability to promote a striking and innovative artistic vision
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion principles
  • Interest in multidisciplinary arts
  • In-depth knowledge of multiple artistic fields: dance, theater, music, visual arts, digital arts, circus, etc.
  • Interest in emerging practices and alternative artistic platforms

Co-Executive Leadership:

  • Significant experience in executive management within a cultural organization or creative company
  • Leadership, dynamism, and boldness
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion principles
  • Experience in securing public and private funding
  • Budget planning experience
  • Strong ability to advocate for projects and rally collaborators
  • Ability to build strategic alliances and sustainable partnerships
  • Capacity to manage a team in a healthy and respectful work environment
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (French/English)

Employment Conditions

  • Permanent full-time position
  • Salary range: $70,000–$75,000 annually
  • Vacation allowance: 12% (6 weeks, including 2 during the holiday season)
  • Eight statutory holidays per year
  • Small wellness fund for healthcare and related expenses
  • Workplace: primarily at the theater with flexibility for remote work
  • Day, evening, and weekend hours

Application and Hiring Process

Timeline:

  • November 23, 2025, 5:00 PM: Application deadline
  • January – February 2026: Interviews
  • March 2026: Desired start date

Process:

  • First Interview: We will explore your previous experiences, your vision for La Chapelle, your understanding of the performing arts sector, and your motivations for applying.
  • Second Interview: If selected, you will complete an exercise to prepare a presentation including a proposed program and budget. This presentation allows the selection committee to evaluate certain skills and how you plan to implement your vision within La Chapelle’s resources. You will have approximately two weeks to complete this exercise, for which a compensation of $350 will be provided.

You will also be asked to provide the names and contact information of two to three references prior to the interview.

Selection Committee:
Applications will be reviewed by all members of the selection committee, composed of Board members and the Co-Executive Director.

How to Apply:
Before applying, candidates may consult the following documents:

To apply, please submit your CV and a letter of interest of no more than three pages by November 23, 2025, to: presidence@lachapelle.org

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. All information will be treated confidentially. Video and/or audio applications are welcome.