Arts and Cultural Programmer

Job Title:

Arts and Cultural Programmer

Organization:

Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS)

Deadline:

Dec. 15, 2026

Organization Description:

The Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS) is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to celebrating Japanese Canadian art and culture to connect communities. Our primary activity is the Powell Street Festival (PSF), an annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, music, culture, and community in Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood of Paueru Gai in the Downtown Eastside. Founded in 1977, PSFS celebrated its 50th Festival in summer 2026. For five decades, the Festival has provided a space for artists and communities to share creative work, build relationships, and connect with audiences. Alongside the annual Festival, PSFS presents and supports year-round arts and cultural programming, including artist commissions, performances, exhibitions, community-engaged projects, youth initiatives, and collaborations. Following our 50th anniversary, PSFS is entering a new chapter, looking ahead to the 51st Powell Street Festival and beyond while continuing to develop meaningful year-round programming

Website:

http://powellstreetfestival.com

Job Description:

The Arts and Cultural Programmer develops and coordinates year-round artistic and cultural programming for Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS), including the annual Powell Street Festival and off-season projects, performances, and community initiatives. Working with Japanese Canadian artists, cultural producers, community members, and Downtown Eastside partners, the role supports programming that celebrates Japanese Canadian arts and culture, fosters intergenerational connections, and strengthens relationships within and beyond the community. Responsibilities include artist outreach and relations, program development and coordination, Festival planning and on-site production, community engagement, partnership development, and program administration, including archives, grant applications, and reporting.

The role requires a flexible, collaborative approach, balancing creative program development with logistical coordination and hands-on Festival work. This is a permanent, full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. PSFS operates year-round, with seasonal fluctuations around the Powell Street Festival and other major projects. The position requires some evening and weekend work. The role includes some hands-on event and Festival work. The ability to lift and carry materials, bend, kneel, use stairs and stepladders, and work outdoors is an asset. Candidates must be comfortable working in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and engaging respectfully with its diverse communities. PSFS’s offices are located in downtown Vancouver, with a hybrid working arrangement available. The role also requires regular in-person participation in meetings, events, Festival activities, and community activities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate year-round artistic and cultural programs, projects, commissions, presentations, and community-engaged initiatives;

• Coordinate and manage the programming of the annual Powell Street Festival including artist applications, contracts, schedules, technical requirements, logistics, and communications; etc.

• Research and initiate outreach to artists, cultural producers, and community partners whose work aligns with PSFS’s mandate;

• Develop and support youth, community, and intergenerational arts initiatives;

• Coordinate off-season productions, presentations, and co-productions;

• Develop and maintain relationships with Japanese Canadian cultural and community organizations and Downtown Eastside partners;

• Coordinate and maintain program archives, records, and databases;

• Contribute to grant applications, reports, evaluation, and other program administration; Attend relevant arts, cultural, and community meetings as required;

• Assist with Festival preparation and on-site production, including some hands-on work; and Undertake additional projects as directed by the Executive Director.

• The Arts and Cultural Programmer will move between program development, artist relations, community engagement, administration, and hands-on Festival work.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Post-secondary education in arts administration, cultural management, fine arts, humanities, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

• Experience working in arts, cultural, community, or non-profit organizations;

• Experience developing, coordinating, or delivering artistic or cultural programs;

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines;

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;

• Experience working collaboratively with artists, volunteers, community members, and partners;

• Experience with grant writing, applications, reporting, and/or program evaluation;

• Creativity, initiative, resourcefulness, and good judgment;

• An interest in Japanese Canadian art, culture, history, and community;

• Familiarity with the Canadian arts and cultural sector, particularly Japanese Canadian and/or Asian Canadian arts and culture;

• Experience working with volunteers or volunteer-led organizations; and Strong administrative and digital skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other common office and communications tools.

Assets include:

• Working knowledge of Japanese;

• Experience with community-engaged, participatory, or interdisciplinary arts practice;

• Experience with festival or event production;

• Familiarity with the Downtown Eastside and experience working in community-based settings;

• A valid Class 5 or higher BC driver's licence; Experience working with diverse cultural and linguistic communities.

We recognize that candidates may not have every qualification listed above. We welcome applications from people with a range of educational and professional backgrounds whose experience, perspectives, and interests would contribute meaningfully to the work of PSFS.

How to Apply:

Open until the position is filled. Please submit a resume and cover letter by email to jobs@powellstreetfestival.com with “Arts and Cultural Programmer” in the subject line. PSFS is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Remuneration:

$24.00–$28.00 per hour