Institutional overview
The Ballet Nacional Chileno (BANCH)—the first professional contemporary dance company in Chile, founded in 1945 and part of the Centro de Extensión Artística y Cultural of the Universidad de Chile (CEAC)—invites applications for its next Artistic Director.
Throughout its history, BANCH has developed a repertoire of more than 200 works by national and international choreographers, consolidating itself as an artistic and cultural reference. Its identity is grounded in excellence, contemporary creation, and cultural mediation, seeking an ongoing dialogue with its time and territory. BANCH currently comprises 18 permanent dancers and three ballet masters who assist in rehearsals.
Position purpose
To lead the artistic and technical direction of BANCH by proposing the company’s season programming, repertoire, and aesthetic line; promoting excellence; and strengthening the artistic identity and the national and international projection of Chilean dance. The Artistic Director will work in alignment with the general guidelines and strategic planning of the CEAC.
Key responsibilities
Within BANCH’s mission of creating, producing, and disseminating choreographic works, the Artistic Director shall:
- Develop their own creative work and build a repertoire for the 18 permanent dancers with contemporary training and a solid academic foundation, complemented by works from guest choreographers.
- Ensure local, regional, national, and international dissemination of productions in line with CEAC’s budgetary possibilities.
- Deepen actions in transmission, arts education, and cultural mediation, with particular attention to democratizing access to art and culture.
- Promote BANCH as a space for creation, research, and appreciation of dance, ensuring diversity and plurality of choreographic aesthetics.
- Motivate and unite the team within a dynamic of change and evolution.
- Collaborate closely with the CEAC’s leadership to maintain institutional relationships and represent BANCH in professional networks.
- Propose the company’s annual seasons.
- Direct rehearsals and stagings of productions.
- Lead casting, selection, and periodic evaluation processes of dancers, and report in a timely manner on matters that affect the operation of the company and the unit.
- Develop cultural exchange projects by managing strategic partnerships with national and international institutions.
- Perform other tasks inherent to the position.
Requirements
- Professional experience.
- Recognized professional standing in the creation and dissemination of choreographic works at the national and international levels.
- Distinguished track record in professional dance.
- Experience coordinating artistic and/or technical teams within a dance company or other artistic endeavours.
- Experience in staging and directing dance productions.
- Experience managing choreographic companies.
- Capacity to conceive an innovative artistic and cultural project that engages current challenges in dance.
- Technical–artistic competencies.
- Experience in choreographic creation.
- Mastery of classical and contemporary dance techniques.
- Knowledge of the universal ballet repertoire.
- Command of pedagogical methodologies in dance.
Cross-cutting competencies
- Leadership and team management.
- Teamwork and institutional relations.
- Strategic vision and artistic planning.
- Communication and public relations skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Knowledge of English.
- Health suitable for the role.
Desirable qualifications
- Proven experience as Artistic Director of choreographic companies.
- International experience in dance.
- Knowledge of the Chilean cultural sector.
- Experience in cultural management.
- Network of contacts in the international dance field.
- Knowledge of Spanish (or commitment to acquire it).
Application conditions
Candidates must commit to residing primarily in Santiago, Chile, and submit their application in
Spanish or English no later than March 15, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not
be accepted.
The application file must include:
- A motivation letter outlining the main lines of the proposed artistic project (2–3 pages).
- A detailed curriculum vitae, accompanied by documents illustrating previous creations (work descriptions, press articles, video recordings).
Selection Process
After reviewing the applications, selected candidates will be notified of their inclusion in the process.
Short-listed candidates will receive a detailed dossier enabling them to develop an in-depth artistic and cultural project and a proposed program for the 2027 season.
Selection interviews will take place in March-April 2026, in Santiago, (or online for non-Santiago residents), before a jury. Interviews may be conducted in Spanish or English.
Nomination will take place in April 2026, with duties to commence September 1, 2026.
Required documents
Mandatory
- Detailed CV (max. 4 pages).
- Motivation letter explaining the candidate’s vision for BANCH (max. 2 pages).
- Programmatic outline for two years of work (max. 3 pages).
- Audiovisual portfolio (max. 10 minutes) featuring representative works and attesting to experience.
- Three letters of recommendation from recognized professionals in the dance field.
Optional
- Awards and recognitions.
- Publications and specialized articles.
- Videos of productions directed.
- Testimonials from collaborators.
Position Conditions
Gross monthly salary: according to the role.
Social security benefits pursuant to applicable regulations.
Commitments
- Residence in Santiago during the contract period.
- Availability for national and international travel.
- Participation in institutional and protocol activities.
- Fulfillment of established artistic goals.
Application submission method: exclusively by email.
- Email: gutierrezbarria@uchile.cl
- Subject: “Postulación Dirección Artística BANCH – [First Name Last Name]”
(Application for Artistic Direction BANCH – [First Name Last Name]) - File format: PDF documents, with a max. file size of 10MB each.
- Audiovisual portfolio: link to platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- File naming: BANCH_[DocType]_[FirstNameLastName].
General Provisions
Confidentiality: The entire process will be conducted under strict confidentiality. Applicants agree to maintain confidentiality regarding the content of evaluations.
Grounds for Disqualification: (i) false or altered documentation; (ii) failure to meet deadlines; (iii) failure to attend scheduled proceedings; (iv) failure to meet minimum equirements.
Right to Void: The Institution reserves the right to declare the call void if no applicant meets the required profile.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: The process adheres to principles of equality and non discrimination under applicable law (Chile’s Law No. 20,609) and the policies of the Universidad de Chile. Participation of women and gender-diverse persons, as well as persons with disabilities, will be promoted in accordance with applicable legislation.
Applicable Regulations: This call is governed by CEAC and Universidad de Chile internal regulations on selection and hiring, and by applicable labor and social security law. Applicants
must comply with all applicable regulations of CEAC and the Universidad de Chile.
Contact and Information
Address: Vicuña Mackenna 20, Providencia, Santiago
Website: www.ceacuchile.cl
Email: gutierrezbarria@uchile.cl
Phone: +56 2 2978 2203
