Artistic Director

Dancenorth Australia is seeking a new Artistic Director to help shape our next chapter.

A RARE INVITATION

There are moments in the life of an organisation when the future feels both visible and unwritten. 

This is one of those moments.

After more than a decade of extraordinary creative leadership by Co-Artistic Directors Kyle Page and Amber Haines, Dancenorth Australia is seeking a new Artistic Director to help shape our next chapter.

We are not looking for someone to replicate what has come before.

We are looking for an artist who is curious about what comes next.

Someone who understands great art emerges not only from vision and skill, but from deep and authentic relationships. Someone who is excited by the possibility of grounding in the enriching environs of North Queensland, creating ambitious contemporary dance inspired by place, and sharing it with the world. Someone who sees leadership as an act of service to the community.

About Dancenorth

For more than forty years, Dancenorth has occupied a unique place within Australia’s cultural landscape. Based in Gurambilbarra (Townsville), on the lands of the Wulgurukaba and neighbouring Bindal Peoples, we create contemporary dance that is adventurous, rigorous and deeply connected to place.

Our work tours nationally and internationally, yet remains grounded in the communities, artists, landscapes and relationships that shape us.

We believe dance can help us better understand ourselves, each other and the world around us.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a leader who demonstrates:

• A distinctive choreographic/contemporary dance practice and artistic voice
• A commitment to artistic excellence, experimentation and collaboration
• Deep relational intelligence and the ability to foster trust
• An ability to inspire and cultivate philanthropic and government partnerships
• Genuine enthusiasm for living and working in North Queensland
• Willingness to build meaningful relationships with First Nations communities and artists
• An understanding of the balance between creative ambition and organisational sustainability
• A desire to contribute to the national and international dance ecology while remaining grounded in community
• Genuine curiosity for the unique nature of the arts in regional Australia

Ultimately, we are seeking someone who understands that leadership begins with listening.

This role is not only for people with creative leadership experience. We are open to emerging and mid-career artists with a clear voice, genuine human warmth, and the appetite for the full scope of what this work involves. Someone who can inspire artists, engage communities and help create the conditions in which extraordinary work can emerge.

Given the breadth and depth required of the role, we are open to a collaborative leadership structure, and welcome applications from individuals or two people applying as a co-creative team.

For more information about the role, visit our website or email [email protected] to receive a candidate information pack.

LINK: https://dancenorth.com.au/about/careers/a-rare-invitation

We welcome informal conversation before you apply; please reach out.

Applications close: 9pm, Monday 20 July 2026.