The Artistic Director for the Sounds of Africa Fashion Showcase is the creative lead responsible for designing and coordinating the most anticipated segment of the Sounds of Africa Festival. This role oversees the artistic vision, storytelling, cultural presentation, music, choreography, and overall runway experience.
The Fashion Showcase highlights African heritage through traditional and contemporary fashion, music, dance, and cultural storytelling. The Artistic Director ensures the segment is engaging, authentic, and visually powerful while working closely with the WAWAC team for logistics and support.
This is a volunteer leadership role with significant creative freedom and flexible operational support provided by the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Creative Direction & Show Design
- Develop the overall artistic vision and flow of the fashion showcase
- Design the runway sequence representing different African countries, tribes, and cultural identities
- Create a cohesive storytelling experience that blends fashion, music, and performance
- Introduce creative cultural or theatrical elements (e.g., ceremonial scenes, cultural storytelling moments)
2. Fashion & Cultural Styling
- Guide the presentation of outfits representing various African tribes and cultures
- Work with available donated materials, cultural items, and community resources
- Coordinate with models who bring their own traditional attire or wear provided outfits
- Ensure authenticity, creativity, and respectful cultural representation
3. Model Coordination
- Work with WAWAC staff and/or volunteers to contact and coordinate returning and new models
- Support recruitment and confirmation of model participation
- Organize model groupings based on cultural or thematic segments
4. Music Selection & Sound Coordination
- Select opening, featured, and closing African music (typically 2–3 main songs)
- Curate traditional and classic African songs that enhance storytelling (e.g., 80s, 90s, and earlier African music)
- Design music cues aligned with runway segments and choreography
- Coordinate directly with the DJ and sound technician to ensure seamless execution
5. Choreography & Performance Design
- Coordinate choreography for selected songs with volunteer dancers
- Design a structured performance segment that blends dance and runway presentation
- Lead the final collective performance where all models participate using their cultural dance styles
6. Rehearsals & Preparation
- Plan and lead rehearsals in collaboration with WAWAC (typically 6–10 sessions)
- Participate in and support onsite dress rehearsals during event week at Garfield Park
- Ensure models, dancers, and performers are fully prepared for show execution
7. Volunteer & Production Coordination
- Recruit or coordinate volunteers for:
- Stage setup and breakdown support
- Props and runway preparation
- Model assistance and backstage coordination
- Work with WAWAC to ensure adequate volunteer coverage
8. Makeup & Styling Support
- Coordinate or help recruit makeup artists for participating models
- Work with available community partners and WAWAC team for styling support
9. Day-of-Event Execution
- Lead artistic execution of the fashion showcase during the event
- Coordinate closely with DJ, sound team, stage manager, and volunteers
- Ensure smooth transitions between runway, music, and performance segments
- Troubleshoot and adapt quickly as needed to maintain show flow
Support Provided by WAWAC
- Access to existing model list and past participants
- Volunteer recruitment and coordination support
- Existing donated materials and cultural resources
- Technical team (DJ, sound, stage support)
- Event logistics and overall festival coordination team
- Flexible rehearsal scheduling in collaboration with director availability
Time Commitment
This is a flexible volunteer role. Time commitment may vary based on availability, but typically includes:
- Planning meetings (as needed)
- 6–10 rehearsal sessions (flexible scheduling)
- Final dress rehearsals during event week
- Full participation on event day (August 15, 2026)
Ideal Candidate
- Strong background in fashion, performing arts, cultural production, or event direction
- Passion for African culture, storytelling, and community engagement
- Experience in choreography, fashion shows, theater production, or music curation (preferred but not required)
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Ability to collaborate with volunteers and community participants
- Creative, flexible, and solution-oriented mindset
Compensation
This is a volunteer position. However, it offers a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape one of the most visible cultural showcases in the region.
