Artistic Leader

The Rijksakademie firmly believes that art plays an essential role in an open, innovative, and diverse society. Artists challenge existing structures, pose critical questions, and create new perspectives. The institution provides them with the space and support needed to fulfill this role to the fullest.

Mission

The Rijksakademie enhances the impact and quality of contemporary art by offering artists from around the world the opportunity to further develop their work and ideas. This takes place in a stimulating, diverse, and inclusive environment where experimentation and reflection are key. The Rijksakademie serves as a catalyst for new art forms and contributes to the enrichment of the global artistic landscape.

Vision

The Rijksakademie is a leading platform for artistic innovation and interdisciplinary research. By providing artists with time and space to work freely, it seeks to contribute to the development of art that challenges and inspires society. The Rijksakademie focuses on international collaboration and knowledge exchange, positioning its residency as a place where critical dialogue and artistic transformation go hand in hand.

The Rijksakademie operates in a dynamic political and economic climate, where strategic positioning and financial stability are crucial.Key challenges include:

• Creating space for experimentation and reflection while ensuring an inspiring artistic environment.
• Enhancing the Rijksakademie’s international position and establishing the institution as a leading voice in contemporary art discourse.
• Developing sustainable financing models and finding the right balance between public and private funding.
• Strengthening trust and cohesion within the organisation.

• You foster a free space where artists can experiment and develop.
• You develop and safeguard the artistic direction of the Rijksakademie, respecting the autonomy of artists.
• You play a leading role in the selection process of new residents.
• You maintain and expand a strong international network, including artists, curators, and institutions.
• You create an environment where artists can thrive and support them in their artistic trajectory without dictating their direction.
• You contribute to an inspiring learning environment where reflection, cross-pollination, and interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged.
• You strengthen the visibility and artistic impact of the Rijksakademie within the national and international art landscape.
• You play an active role in maintaining and strengthening connections with alumni.
• You work closely with the General Director and the team to achieve the artistic and organisational objectives.
• You collaborate closely with the group of artistic advisors and oversee the technical specialists to stimulate and safeguard artistic development.

• You have an in-depth knowledge of contemporary art and a broad orientation in various artistic practices and discourses, with a global perspective.
• You have a large and diverse international network within the art world, including artists, curators, institutions, and other art professionals.
• You have extensive experience working with artists on their artistic development and understand the needs and challenges of artists at different stages of their careers. Additionally, you have experience working with both artistic advisors and technical specialists.
• You have proven experience in an artistic leadership role within an art institution, residency, or post-academic programme, combined with relevant management experience.
• You have experience with complex artistic programmes and know how to foster and support a diverse community.
• You have the ability to formulate a vision and translate it into an inspiring and inclusive artistic environment.
• You navigate smoothly in an environment with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. You have proven experience working in various contexts, understand their dynamics, and know how to connect with a wide range of stakeholders in an inclusive and respectful manner.
• You have a strong understanding of the social and political context of art and know how to safeguard and strengthen artistic values within this landscape.

• You are an inspiring and energetic leader who gives others the space to grow and develop.
• You have an open and curious mindset and know how to facilitate an inclusive community.
• You have great respect for diverse artistic movements and understand that your role is not to direct content, but to create space.
• You know how to foster an environment where trust, freedom, and experimentation go hand in hand.
• You have the ability to encourage collaboration and connection, both within the Rijksakademie and with the international art field.
• You are decisive when needed but also understand when to leave space for the process.
• You know how to bring together different visions and interests and create an atmosphere where artists can reach their full potential.

Working at the Rijksakademie means being part of an internationally recognised institution that fosters art and innovation at the highest level. The Rijksakademie provides an inspiring, internationally oriented environment where artists have the space to reinvent their practice and develop new perspectives.

This is your opportunity to contribute to one of the most influential art institutions in the world and to collaborate with artists and professionals in addressing the artistic and societal challenges of today and tomorrow.