Artistic Leader

Gouden Gasten is looking for an Artistic Leader on behalf of the Rijksakademie. As Artistic Leader of the Rijksakademie, you will create and facilitate an environment in which artists are given maximum space to experiment, develop and explore new artistic paths. You are an inspiring and energetic leader who knows how to stimulate and support a community.

Organisation
The Rijksakademie offers a two-year residency program to approximately fifty artists from around the world. The programme supports artistic development through providing space for research, experimentation, and the production of new work. Residents are provided with a studio, a working budget, and a stipend, and work in a dynamic environment with advanced technical workshops, a range of artistic advisors who are professionals in the field, and an interdisciplinary community. Within this international and diverse ecosystem, artists have the freedom to work and experiment without a fixed curriculum.

The Rijksakademie distinguishes itself as a platform for artistic innovation and reflection. It plays a crucial role in the cultural ecosystem, offering artists the opportunity to develop and connect with an international network. Alumni are represented in leading museums, biennials, and artistic initiatives worldwide.

Founded in 1870, the Rijksakademie has evolved into an internationally renowned residency. Initially functioning as a classical academy, it trained artists such as Piet Mondriaan, Karel Appel, and Constant. In the 1980s, its direction shifted, transforming into an artistic laboratory where studios,technical research, and critical dialogue with advisors became central.

Key Challenges Rijksakademie
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.

Short Profile
As Artistic Leader at the Rijksakademie, you create and facilitate an environment where artists are given the maximum space to experiment, develop, and explore new artistic directions. You are an inspiring and dynamic leader who knows how to stimulate and support a community. You are knowledgeable about diverse artistic practices and discourses, work with a global perspective, and understand how to provide artists with space without directing their content. You foster an environment where dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration are central.

Beyond your role in the residency programme, you actively maintain and strengthen connections with alumni. You support them through networking events and collaborative opportunities,ensuring a lasting bond between former residents and the Rijksakademie. You possess a strong international network and a broad knowledge of contemporary visual arts. You are a connecting force who stimulates artistic development and ensures that the Rijksakademie continues to play a leading role within the Dutch and international art field.

Tasks and responsibilities

• 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.

Expertise and experience

• 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.

Your Personal Profile

• 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.

Our pitch to you
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.

Employment conditions
You will be employed under the Museum CAO. The salary scale is 13 (ranging from €4,951 to €7,093). Salary is determined based on experience. The position is for 1.0 FTE. Initially, the contract is for a fixed term, with the intention of converting it into a permanent contract.