The artistic director of a performing dance company is similar to the musical director of an orchestra, the primary person responsible for planning a company's season.
Artistic directors work closely with the general manager of the theatre, and contribute to the artistic evaluation of projects and productions to be included in promotional, funding, and press materials.
An artistic director also functions as a resource for the directors who are working to mount productions at the theatre and can provide support, counsel, and/or artistic input where requested.
The artistic director functions as leader of this group, with the aim to create and/or realize various new and established works.
In those cases, decisions about administration, business issues, finances, fundraising, board relations, donor relations, publicity, and marketing devolve to the responsibility of the general manager, chief operating officer, managing director, etc.