Open Call for BRAC Independent Producers
Deadline March 31, 2025
The Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) is currently seeking applications from Independent Producers for its 2025 “Bronx River Sounds” music festival to take place in May and June. The selected producer will be responsible for contracting and sourcing all artists, writing promotional text, and facilitating the public performances. We encourage proposals by independent producers who are attuned to stretching boundaries and familiar with artists from the Bronx. This call for proposals aligns with our mission of supporting artists from underrepresented groups, such as women and artists of color and addressing relevant social and environmental issues.
GUIDELINES
1. Proposals must be conceptually rigorous and focus on performances that are innovative, timely, challenging, and engaging.
2. We are looking for proposals that clearly demonstrate a unique and creative approach, as well as an awareness of the Bronx and Bronx communities.
3. Producers should include a variety of performers based on the theme.
4. Bronx River Art Center strongly encourages applications that expand our mission and contribute to our ongoing commitment to emerging artists, social and environmental justice, and advocacy for artists.
5. Budget:
- Artistic Personnel budget = $20,000 which can include: stipends for performers, lecturers, and workshop facilitators.
- Technical and Production budget = $20,000 which includes festival producers, video, sound and lighting engineers.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please attach the following Information as a Word or PDF document and send by email to: opencall@bronxriverart.org with subject heading “Producer Open Call.”
- A detailed festival proposal with your name, address, phone number and email address, of up to 500 words that includes a statement of intent, proposed line-up of performers and production team indicating whether these contactors have been confirmed, festival goals and objectives, and budget proposal. We additionally encourage the proposal of a public program and/or community workshops (date and time to be determined if your proposal is selected).
- A professional CV.
- Three professional references (names and contact info) describing previous production work/projects and/or related experience.
SELECTION PROCESS
Submission deadline is Monday March 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Finalists will be contacted for an interview before selections are announced. All applications will be kept on our files for future reference. For technical inquiries email: opencall@bronxriverart.org. No phone calls inquiring about the status of your submission, please.
Bronx River Art Center is hiring!
BRAC is a 37-year-old community-based multi-arts organization located in the heart of The Bronx in West Farms Square. BRAC offers four programs serving the vibrant, and underserved community in the south-central section of the Bronx and the larger cultural community of New York City:
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Free after-school education programs in the visual arts and fee-based art classes for youth, adults and families.
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A diverse series of contemporary art exhibitions in a storefront gallery.
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A studio program for professional artists.
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A multi-disciplinary performance program.
Given our proximity to the Bronx River — a unique natural resource that runs the length of The Bronx — our arts programming integrates environmental studies and urban design to promote awareness of environmental justice issues and a commitment to local community development.
BRAC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and vision for arts education to jobs@bronxriverart.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director directs and advances all elements of the organization’s mission, strategy, programming, and operations. The position serves as the face of the organization, guiding both internal and external stakeholders towards a shared vision for the Bronx River Art Center, and for the field of multi-arts, non-profit organizations that provide a forum for community, artists, and youth to transform creativity into vision. Our goal is to inspire and encourage participants, especially our teens and young adults, to take civic action to improve conditions within our Bronx communities.
The Executive Director partners with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team to build organizational health and vitality through adaptable systems and processes, diverse, reliable and repeatable revenue streams, inclusive and collaborative decision making, responsive and impactful programming, and community engagement.
The position reports to the Board of Directors and oversees full-time and part-time staff. This is a full-time, exempt position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations and Financial Management
- Develop responsible fiscal practices through multi-year financial goals, annual budgets, and cash flow projections
- Carefully monitor revenue and expenses throughout the fiscal year
- Oversee fiscal management activities, ensuring effective internal controls
- Work with staff to prepare accurate and complete financial statements; complete annual audited financial statements
- Ensure compliance with all accounting, reporting, filings, record keeping, and HR-related requirements
Strategic Visioning and Leadership
- Uphold a shared strategic vision in line with BRAC’s mission, history, and values
- Create long-range direction and strategic goals with board, staff and relevant stakeholders
- Drive a communications strategy to attract donors, partners and program participants
- Maintain a deep understanding of the nonprofit arts sector; take leadership roles in advocating for access to the arts and art education in The Bronx
Board Development and Fundraising
- Build an annual fundraising plan incorporating grant-writing, major donors, earned income and events that engages staff and board in abundantly resourcing BRAC.
- Cultivate a transparent working relationship with the board, keeping them engaged and informed about opportunities, liabilities, and successes
- Set a regular meeting calendar, and establish efficient communication and reporting mechanisms
- Support the board in developing itself to be a diverse and dynamic body with fresh perspectives and key areas of expertise
Program Excellence and Community Development
- Position BRAC as a resource in the Bronx through excellent programming that is mission-aligned and reflective of current best practices and community needs
- Develop systems and utilize data-based tools to evaluate programs
- Engage with community leaders to understand and address the needs of the Bronx residents
- Collaborate with other mission-aligned organizations to innovate, solve common problems, and develop joint programming
Culture and People
- Embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in every area of the organization’s culture and operations
- Build a cohesive and collaborative team environment among staff
- Create policies and systems that embody the organization’s values and support BRAC in hiring and retaining talented, diverse staff
- Facilitate relationship-building between board and staff, ensuring open communication, reciprocal learning, and alignment.
Facility Management
- Oversee the facility, ensuring safety and functionality
- Plan and fund routine maintenance and capital improvement projects
- Supervise facilities staff and contractors
- Oversee the development of maintenance policies and procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (latter can be substituted for two years professional experience in the field)
- Minimum of 5 years experience in the nonprofit sector with evidence in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leading community-based arts and exhibition programs
- A clear artistic vision for community-based arts education and exhibitions
- Demonstrated experience in developing community partnerships that support access to arts, art education, social and environmental justice
- Demonstrated success in fundraising
- Demonstrated experience with board development
- Success in leading nonprofits in multicultural, multilingual environments
- Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment; ability to problem solve quickly
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Spanish proficiency
- Experience with community outreach and engagement
- Knowledge of The Bronx, BRAC partners and work experience in NYC
COMPENSATION
The base annual salary is $80,000 - $85,000. Increases will be considered contingent on financial capacity. Benefits include 3 weeks of paid vacation, 8 holidays, up to 10 days sick days, and 3 personal days annually. Health benefits are provided.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and vision for arts education to jobs@bronxriverart.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Opportunities
Internship:
Interns assist the Executive Director, the Education Director, the Gallery Director, Staff, and Teachers in all projects at the Bronx River Art Center, including teaching preparation and classroom instruction, administrative tasks, exhibition installations, and other assigned duties. Enthusiasm for working in a multi-ethnic community is a must.
Qualifications: College students pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, Visual Media Arts, Arts Management, or Art Education. Interns assisting with media classes should have experience operating filmmaking equipment and knowledge of Final Cut Pro. Junior level or above preferred. Good writing skills, computer literacy, and graphic design or internet skills are desirable.
Days/hours required: To be arranged. 10 to 20 hours per week. BRAC is open Monday through Friday, from 10am-6:30pm, and Saturday, from 10am-5pm. After-school classes begin at 4 or 4:30pm.
How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining what type of internship you are interested in and why you want to intern with BRAC to info@bronxriverart.org.
Questions? Call us at 718-589-5819.
Volunteer:
Are you interested in donating your valuable time to helping some of the most talented youth in the Bronx?
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available at BRAC:
- Cataloging and Archiving
- Classroom Monitors
- Education Programs Assistants
- Entrance Monitors
- Fundraising Committee
- Student Exhibition Assistants
- Website/Newsletter Team
Please contact us at info@bronxriverart.org or 718-589-5819 for more information about internships or volunteer opportunities. Thank you!