An artistic director is a senior position in cultural institutions such as theatres, opera houses, broadcasting companies or orchestras. He or she is responsible for the artistic and business management of the institution. The tasks of an artistic director are many and varied and include the following areas:

1. Artistic direction: The director decides on the artistic programme, i.e. which plays or performances will be shown, which artists and directors will be engaged and which pieces should be the main focus of the repertoire. In opera houses, the director also selects the musical director and the conductors.
2. Strategic planning: an artistic director develops a long-term vision for the institution, sets artistic goals and ensures that the house is artistically innovative and economically viable.
3. Financial responsibility: in addition to the artistic direction, the artistic director is also responsible for the institution’s budget. He or she works closely with the administration and the commercial director to ensure that the budget is adhered to. This includes raising funds from supporters, sponsors and public funding.
4. Managing staff: The director manages the entire team of the institution, including artists, technicians and administration. He or she is often also involved in selecting personnel, especially in key artistic positions such as directors, conductors and leading actors.
5. Representation and public relations: The director represents the institution externally and works with the press, cultural politicians and sponsors. He is the public face of the institution and contributes to its image cultivation.
6. Cooperation and networks: A director also promotes cooperation with other cultural institutions, whether it be guest performances, joint productions or international cooperation.
7. Performance practice and production: In theatres or opera houses, the artistic director is often actively involved in productions and decides on staging, set design and other artistic aspects of the performances.
8. Cultural responsibility: Artistic directors shape the cultural landscape and contribute to cultural education. They have the task of taking up new ideas and trends, but also of preserving and promoting traditional cultural assets.

In summary: an artistic director holds a key position that requires both artistic creativity and management and leadership skills. They are responsible for the artistic direction and smooth running of the institution and have a great deal of influence on its cultural impact and success.