Artistic Director - Sounds of Africa Fashion Showcase 4.0

Event: Sounds of Africa Festival 4.0
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Garfield Park, Everett
Fashion Showcase Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Position Overview
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Makeup & Styling Support
Coordinate or help recruit makeup artists for participating models
Work with available community partners and WAWAC team for styling support
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.
Application / Interest
Interested individuals may be contacted directly by WAWAC or may reach out for more information regarding the role and expectations.
Fill out our volunteer application form
or contact us at 425-758-3269 or info@wawac.org or visit www.wawac.org