Jazzart
Dance in Cape Town

Jazzart Dance Theatre, South Africa, resident in Cape Town, is a professional contemporary African dance company.

It has been at the forefront of contemporary dance development administratively and artistically, within the context of democratic practice, serving marginalised communities in particular. Sue Parker took over in 1978 and established a small, professional ensemble named the Sue Parker Jazzart Contemporary Dance Company. In 1982, Sue handed over to Val Steyn and the performance group was renamed the Jazzart Contemporary Dance Company. In an era when professional dance theatre was the virtually exclusive domain of the ruling white elite, he was forging a teaching and performance ethos firmly based in the populist thinking of the South African political struggle. The company has taught and performed in the most disadvantaged communities in and around Cape Town and beyond, remaining focused on the need for developing the accessibility of the art form and promoting the highest aesthetic standards. In partnership with Jenny van Papendorp of the Western Cape Education Department, Jazzart was instrumental in having African dance offered as a subject in schools.Jazzart's socio-political commitment has always translated into artistic ideals. In 1992, after two decades as a privately funded company, Jazzart was taken into what was then the Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB) as its contemporary dance department.With the advent of South Africa's new political dispensation in 1994, Capab's role was taken on by Artscape, which continues to offer Jazzart the technical and logistical support that has proved vital to the company's survival ever since. This transformed the hitherto free flow of central government money to the performing arts, which resulted in the loss or contraction of some valuable performing arts companies throughout the country. A major part of Jazzart's income is now earned through fee-for-service work, which includes contracts to perform at corporate functions, provide administrative services or implement skills transmission programmes. Today, Jazzart Dance Theatre occupies as important a place in South African performing arts as it did at the time when it made a point of snubbing oppressive racial policies. The company continues to train young dancers for the professional stage and careers in the arts, to perform repertoire works and to create new pieces reflecting current realities. Jazzart Dance Theatre seeks to employ a Fundraising & Marketing Officer to contribute to the sustainability of the organisation by developing and implementing our marketing and fundraising plans and activities which complements our artistic vision and strategic direction. The position calls for an extensive background in fundraising complemented by a strong marketing focus in the dance or arts industry. Keeping abreast with local, national and international fundraising trends and methods through research and attending workshops, meetings and conferences to identify new opportunities for growth and funding development on a continual basis. Source funding and prepare all grant applications, including budgets and supporting documents ensuring compliance with all funder/donor requirements. Develop new and maintain existing relationships with funders, supporters and corporates through on-going communication. Source platforms to showcase performances and organize special events to raise funds for operations, programmes and productions. Submit relevant reports to management and the board that show objectives, targets, strategies, outputs and outcomes of fundraising efforts. Marketing: To work, in collaboration and co-operation with the Jazzart team, to develop and implement a marketing strategy that builds awareness, increases the Jazzart audience by building followers and champions of the Jazzart brand. To manage the corporate identity brand and build relationships with media partners both local and international to promote the organisation’s objectives. Coordinate marketing, advertising and media through developing and distributing communication materials, literature, online resources, videos, and press releases. Remain up to date with arts sector and education developments in the national and international arts sector to take up emerging public relations opportunities. Coordinate staff input to develop and/or proofread all external communications and assist with the compilation of the Annual Report. Submit relevant reports to management and the board that show objectives, targets, strategies, outputs and outcomes of marketing efforts.