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VIERNULVIER Arts Centre is looking for an Artistic coordinator/house dramaturg (full-time)

VIERNULVIER seeks a new artistic coordinator / house dramaturg to inspire and coach a team of programmers within the various programme lines (performing arts, music, talks, nightlife, spoken word, residencies, stadsatelier, monument).

Context

VIERNULVIER is a Flemish arts institution and operates as a central platform in a rich network of artists and organisations from numerous sectors. Inspired by a turbulent world and an arts sector in flux, VIERNULVIER strengthens the cross-fertilisation between the arts and the local and global community. We do so with a contemporary vision of our shared future. We act as a welcoming meeting place and a lab for artistic development, production, presentation, participation and reflection. We build on a past of innovation and social commitment. VIERNULVIER is a meeting place where there is openness about knowledge sharing and logical, but equally atypical, partnerships.

VIERNULVIER programmes the four stages of De Vooruit, programmes on location and, together with Democrazy, is also the programmer and operator of the brand new Club Winter Circus.

What do we expect from you?

  • You will coach and inspire a team of programmers and develop with them a coherent, accessible and inclusive programme for and with various audiences (‘Nothing for everyone, something for everybody’) and for the various stages in De Vooruit and at other locations (e.g. Club Wintercircus, Minard, ... ).
  • Together with your colleagues from the artistic team, you manage the artistic budget and report back to the finance coordinator.
  • You know how to convey your enthusiasm about the programme to your colleagues working on communication, production, stage technology, housekeeping, business policy, ... and to everyone you meet in a café or on the train.
  • You guard the coherence of the artistic programme and fill in the framework of content. You ask critical inspiring questions and keep us on our toes. You see yourself as a moderator, a diplomat, a strategist, a dramaturg, a critic, an empath, a stimulator, an evaluator,....
  • A bit much for one person? We know, but you can do it.
  • Programming yourself is not your main task: you do programme an innovative reflection programme (talks, debates, lectures,...), prioritising artistic urgencies and creating programming links between our own programme lines music, stage, spoken word, nightlife,... and together with the programme and production coordinator between the VIERNULVIER programme and the programme of partners within rentals and our network.
  • With the Winter Circus as a new ambitious neighbour, you look for and find intelligent connections between art, science, technology and entrepreneurship.
  • As house dramaturg, you are not only an excellent storyteller, you make ‘the story’.
  • You help give substance and shape to VIERNULVIER's social and ecological commitments by means of festivals, focus weeks, artistic actions, ... and make it possible for VIERNULVIER to have a full presence in the city and the world.
  • As a dramaturg, you do not serve the productions of (resident) artists, but the programme as whole.
  • You feel challenged reading our policy plan 2023-2027. You can fully endorse it and help flesh it out. Together with the general coordinator, you take the lead in drawing up our new policy plan (deadline: December ‘26).
  • You draw on a broad international network of contacts to realise collaborations and co-creations. You maintain and expand this network, so you know and feel what the international artistic developments of the day after tomorrow will be.
  • You find energy and have experience in working out (European) projects that lead to knowledge sharing and additional funding for the artistic programme. You do this on your own initiative and/or in collaboration with your colleagues from the artistic and business team.
  • As a member of the coordination team, you help steer VIERNULVIER's general policy and, together with the general coordinator and financial coordinator, you participate in the governing body and the general meeting.
  • You represent VIERNULVIER at home and abroad.

Who would we like to find?

  • We are looking for someone with dramaturgical qualities and a thorough knowledge of contemporary arts practices: performing arts, music, participatory, relational and contextual practices.
  • We want a new colleague with a keen interest in artistic, social, political and philosophical issues. Someone who thoughtfully deals with pressing social challenges and the related ethical questions.
  • We welcome a colleague who brings in new perspectives and visions.
  • We need a thinker who can organise forms of reflection with external guests and partners. Also a smooth pen? Waw!
  • The new artistic coordinator is a committed and dynamic colleague who sees the advantages of working in a large arts centre.
  • You have at least ten years of relevant experience in the arts sector.
  • You know the Flemish cultural and artistic field really well. You know which concert and which performance will be reviewed in tomorrow's paper, closely follow the political, social debate in Flanders and know how to give it a smart place in your reflection programmes.
  • Ideally, you have a good command of Dutch. Mistakes made by non-native speakers are turned a blind eye. For those who do not yet understand Dutch, we ask a great effort to master it quickly.
  • You can also express yourself fluently in English and French.
  • Working collectively in a horizontal structure appeals to you.

What do we have to offer?

  • A full-time contract with a mandate of 6 years, renewable once for 6 years.
  • A varied job in a dynamic, international environment.
  • An open working atmosphere with room for initiative.
  • A flexible work context.
  • A competitive salary
  • A package of fringe benefits.
  • A shared travel budget to attend relevant artistic events and festivals.
  • A flat organisational structure where you can take on multiple roles if you wish. Commitment, transparency and room for own initiative in an informal setting are pillars we rely on. Take a look at our organisation chart on our website . You will also find our integrity policy and internal fair practice regulations. www.viernulvier.gent
  • A rich network of highly motivated colleagues and artists and cultural workers in Flanders and internationally.

Interested?

Mail your motivation, CV and your vision of VIERNULVIER's place in the city and the world (max. 2 pages) to vacature_artistiekcoordinator@viernulvier.gent before 15 January 2025.

The first interviews will take place in the week of 20 January 2025. For foreign candidates, the first interview can take place online. The second interview, the second week of February, will take place live in Ghent. Viernulvier will provide reimbursement of transport and accommodation costs.

For additional information about the position, please contact general coordinator Franky Devos: franky.devos@viernulvier.gent

The selection process is as follows: link to selection process.

Should you still have questions, please contact HR coordinator Ruth De Ganck: ruth.deganck@viernulvier.gent

Want to know what it's like to work at VIERNULVIER? Fix a chat with : (BIO VIERNULVIER colleagues)

VIERNULVIER Arts Centre values the diversity of our colleagues, without distinction of gender, religion, colour, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, age or ethnic origin. We strive to be a reflection of the city's residents - both in our staff and our visitors. We are curious about your talent and how you can contribute to our story.