Chris Frayer
Winnipeg,MB
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Artistic Director/Talent Buyer/Producer
Winnipeg Folk Festival
Winnipeg, Canada
11.2004 - Current
- Responsible for programming and curating 80 bands on 11 day stages and 2 evening stages at the annual 4-day festival
- Program the Festival’s year-round Concert Series in various venues throughout Winnipeg and managed the Folk Exchange music venue and programmed 40-50 concerts.
- Help to lead the marketing team on how to promote the concerts and festival artists.
- Lead in planning and development of a vibrant and viable long-term artistic program, including year-round productions, taking full account of the artistic aims of the organization and ensuring that our marketing plans were executed to ensure the highest degree of success.
- Ensure delivery of the agreed artistic program to the highest possible standards and within budget
- Assembled the artistic and technical teams required to undertake the works defined in the programs and productions.
- Establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of artists and arts organizations. Identified and recommended opportunities to raise the local, national and international profile of the company’s work
- Extend the appeal of the organization, its program of live music and ancillary activities to a wider audience. Acted as the artistic ambassador for the organization and develop constructive relations with key stakeholders including creative partners, visiting artists, audiences, funding agencies, donors and the media
- Identify and approached artists in order to deliver a broad, exciting and diverse artistic program that represents current trends in Folk and Roots music. Provided creative support and guidance to staff and other production personnel as required
- Develop, recommend and implement an agreed training, education and outreach strategy, with a particular focus on engaging with young people and those who would not ordinarily have access to the arts. Ensured provision of a wide range of opportunities for established and emerging artists to develop and showcase their skills
- Act as an effective line manager. Worked closely with the Executive Director to set and monitor annual production and project budgets in line with the overall business plan and ensure that proper financial and business controls are exercised throughout the organization
- Work closely with the Executive Director to review strategy and performance on a regular basis. Reported regularly to the Board of Directors on progress with artistic planning and delivery
- Provide the preparation of project and revenue funding applications. Oversaw (directly or indirectly) the management and maintenance of the company’s technical resources
- Create timelines for the artistic program and its delivery
- Provide artistic component for funding applications
- Liaised with and wrote artistic reports for funding bodies and the Board
- Liaised and defined the budget for each project in order to co-ordinate the artistic vision, such that its delivery is in line with
- Oversee two artistic coordinators and two music store staff
Artistic Director/Producer
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Winnipeg, Canada
01.2004 - 11.2005
- Programming of over 85 acts in 15 venues that included international, national and local acts from various genres
- Negotiation, development and execution of contracts with agents, artists, management and production staff
- Marketing and publicity in regards to promoting the festival
- Worked closely with volunteers and crew chiefs during and prior to the festival
- Responsible for the settlement of shows
- Festival representative at Jazz Festivals Canada booking meetings and conferences in NY and Vancouver
- Responsible for all areas of production including sound and lights, backline and staging
Artistic Director
West End Cultural Centre
Winnipeg, Canada
03.2000 - 12.2003
- Programming of the facility that included international, national and local acts from various genres
- Negotiation, development and execution of contracts with agents, artists, management and production staff
- Marketing and publicity in regards to promoting the shows
- Working closely with volunteers and crew chiefs during WECC productions
- Advancing shows and hiring all staff for security, loaders, catering and tech
Timeline
Artistic Director/Talent Buyer/Producer
Winnipeg Folk Festival
11.2004 - Current
Artistic Director/Producer
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
01.2004 - 11.2005
Artistic Director
West End Cultural Centre
03.2000 - 12.2003