Vleeshal Middelburg | Director

Vleeshal is looking for a new Director

36 hours per week (f/m/x)

Location: Middelburg, the Netherlands

Are you an artistic leader with a clear vision and a collaborative spirit? Are you ready to guide Vleeshal into its next phase as a leading center for contemporary art — locally rooted, globally connected? We are seeking a new director who brings direction, imagination, and a strong sense of purpose.

About Vleeshal

Vleeshal is an international center for contemporary art, housed in the iconic Gothic Town Hall of Middelburg. Through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public programs, we explore current artistic and societal questions in close collaboration with artists — often in long-term relationships. Vleeshal regularly expands beyond its walls, initiating off-site programs and maintaining a strong network across Zeeland, Europe, and beyond. We are proud to be part of the Dutch national arts funding system (BIS) again for the 2025–2028 period.

Vleeshal is entering a new chapter: redefining our role, our organization, and our relationship with the public. Thanks to the vision and work of past directors — Lex ter Braak, Rutger Wolfson, Lorenzo Benedetti, and most recently Roos Gortzak — Vleeshal has built a distinctive artistic profile and gained international recognition. We now aim to strengthen our local anchoring in Middelburg and Zeeland, while expanding our international presence.

The new director will initially operate within the framework of the current policy plan, as approved under the BIS grant. Looking ahead to the next funding cycle, there will be space to develop a new artistic direction and strategic future for Vleeshal. We are looking for a steady leader who is also open to dialogue, experimentation, and growth — someone who values team spirit, local engagement, and long-term impact through collaboration.

About the Role

As director, you hold final responsibility for the organization. You define the vision, lead the team, and ensure that Vleeshal functions as a well-managed, socially relevant, and artistically strong institution. You provide both artistic and executive leadership, represent Vleeshal externally, and work closely with the team, the supervisory board, and a range of partners.

Your core responsibilities include:

• Artistic direction: Develop a sharp, multi-year artistic vision aligned with our current BIS plan and future ambitions.

• Leadership: Lead a dedicated team of approximately 7 FTE with clarity, inspiration, and trust.

• Organizational culture: Strengthen internal structures, nurture a safe, open work environment, and be a visible and accessible leader.

• Operations: Ensure sound financial and operational management, including HR, planning, funding, and budgeting.

• Representation: Act as Vleeshal’s public face — in Middelburg and internationally — and build lasting relationships with artists, institutions, policymakers, and the public.

• Strategic positioning: Place Vleeshal on the map — locally, nationally, and internationally — and contribute to artistic and public discourse.

• Fundraising: Actively pursue fundraising and develop new income streams.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for an experienced, inclusive, and visionary leader with a strong artistic profile. You have an international network and a deep understanding of contemporary art, as well as proven leadership skills. You are strategic, communicative, and socially engaged.

You:

• Have significant experience in contemporary art, preferably in a leadership role.

• Possess strong artistic vision and curatorial intuition, balanced with listening and collaborative skills.

• Understand the Dutch cultural field (or are willing to quickly familiarize yourself with it), including its policies, funding structures, and regulations.

• Offer both structure and flexibility, empowering teams to thrive.

• Actively promote an inclusive organizational culture and embrace diverse perspectives.

• Know how to connect programming with education, public engagement, and community building.

• Are willing to work primarily from Middelburg or within Zeeland.

• Speak and write fluent Dutch, or are willing to learn quickly.

• Are proficient in English, appropriate to Vleeshal’s international context.

We believe in the power of multiplicity. You connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive and equitable work environment. If this resonates with you — we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer

A pivotal role in a unique institution at a moment of transformation. In 2025, Vleeshal celebrates its 50th anniversary — a moment to reflect on its legacy and shape a new artistic future. You’ll work from a historic site with international resonance and deep local meaning, with room to bring your own vision and grow together with a committed team.

We offer:

• A gross annual salary of up to €95,000, including holiday allowance and year-end bonus (equivalent to approx. €7,300/month based on a 36-hour contract). Final offer will depend on experience and potential.

• A professional environment where artistic freedom, experimentation, and social relevance go hand in hand.

• Travel allowance, pension scheme, and a personal development budget.

• Strong focus on workplace wellbeing and social safety — themes we continue to develop.

• A five-year contract, with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply

Are you enthusiastic and do you recognize yourself in this role? Then click the application button and upload your CV and answers to the practical questions below no later than Thursday 5 June 2025. We look forward to reading your ideas and approach! The headhunters and recruiters of DDJ& are guiding this procedure and are also responsible for the initial screening. Together with them, we strive for the fairest possible assessment and equal opportunities for everyone. That is also why we are not asking candidates to submit a motivation letter, but instead to answer a few practical questions.

Please note that you may be invited for an online introductory meeting on Tuesday 10 June 2025 with recruitment consultant Smita Gayadin or Bram De Jaeger. They will also be your contact persons for any questions about the vacancy or organization; in that case, feel free to email opportunities@dixon-dejaeger.com.

The first formal interviews will take place on Wednesday 18 June 2025; the second round, including a practical assignment, is scheduled for Thursday 26 June 2025. Please mark these dates in your calendar. We hope to appoint our new colleague shortly after and ideally plan the first working day within two months after selection.