Artistic Director of Contemporary Dance

Position: Artistic Director of Contemporary Dance

Reports To: Vice President, Programming

Department: Programming

About Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts & The Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) stands as New York City's cultural heart-a global nexus for music, theater, and dance. In March 2025, LCPA received an unprecedented $50 million founding gift from philanthropists Lynne and Richard Pasculano-the largest single programming investment in the Center's history.

This transformative gift establishes the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance, an ambitious initiative designed to position Lincoln Center as a permanent home for cutting-edge dance.

LCPA seeks a visionary Artistic Director of Contemporary Dance to lead this groundbreaking initiative. The successful candidate will uphold Lincoln Center's legacy of excellence, expand contemporary dance's reach across disciplines and audiences, and transform the aspirations of the Pasculano Collaborative into enduring artistic impact.

Position Overview:

The Artistic Director of Contemporary Dance position presents a unique opportunity to develop and steward a new, high-profile initiative from the ground up-guiding seasonal programming, co-commissioning new works, and cultivating partnerships that elevate New York City as the global epicenter of contemporary dance and dance education. The Artistic Director will collaborate with both resident arts organizations and external dance companies to present work that fosters long-term artist development, and build dynamic, inclusive audiences for contemporary dance on campus and beyond.

As a senior artistic leader at Lincoln Center, the Artistic Director will play a critical role in institutional strategy and campus-wide collaboration, working across departments and communities to sustain a dynamic, equitable, and future-facing artistic vision for contemporary dance.

• In collaboration with senior leadership, define and advance a bold, inclusive artistic vision for contemporary dance at Lincoln Center that reflects the organization's mission, values, and audiences.
• Serve as the principal curator of all contemporary dance programming, commissioning new works by emerging and established choreographers to foster innovation and develop diverse creative talent.
• Co-lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of innovative programs, including the launch and direction of two annual contemporary dance festivals (Summer and Winter), maintaining the highest artistic standards.
• Ensure contemporary dance maintains a vibrant, central presence across Lincoln Center's venues-particularly Alice Tully Hall-and is fully integrated within campus-wide and multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Oversee all aspects of programming and festival planning, including curatorial strategy, artist engagement, marketing alignment, production logistics, and evaluation.
• Develop, manage, and monitor project and production budgets in partnership with Finance, Production, and senior leadership, ensuring accountability and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Initiate, negotiate, and manage co-productions and co-commissions with peer institutions, artists, and producing entities to deliver ambitious, high-profile projects that extend Lincoln Center's reach and reputation.
• Establish and sustain strategic partnerships with local, national, and international dance organizations, as well as a network of rehearsal and production support spaces across New York City to strengthen infrastructure for commissioned artists and visiting companies.
• Develop and present convenings, conferences, and public programs with artists, cultural institutions, and thought leaders, positioning Lincoln Center as a global platform for dialogue and innovation in contemporary dance.
• Collaborate effectively with Marketing to build and engage audiences in ways that respect and enhance existing strategies,
• Work closely with Advancement & Innovation to optimize partnerships and secure resources that advance dance initiatives.
• Serve as a visible ambassador and advocate for contemporary dance within Lincoln Center and the broader arts community, cultivating relationships with artists, donors, civic leaders, and partners to enhance the institution's impact and profile.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation across departments and with external partners.
• Leverage networks and sector knowledge to identify and secure new opportunities and resources.
• Act as a connector between artists, audiences, and communities to ensure that all programs are relevant, accessible, and responsive to diverse perspectives and experiences.

• 10+ years, including senior leadership, of contemporary dance programming, curation, and commissioning within a major performing arts institution or comparable organization.
• Demonstrated record of artistic excellence and innovation, including successful development and delivery of large-scale festivals, productions, and co-commissions.
• Deep knowledge of the contemporary dance landscape locally, nationally, and internationally, with established relationships across the field.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience developing and managing complex production and program budgets.
• Proven ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and secure resources to advance artistic and institutional goals.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

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