The Jeu de Paume is a centre for contemporary art and a member of the d.c.a network (French Association for the Development of Art Centers). It has established an international reputation as a leading place for all forms of mechanical and electronic image, ranging from photography, cinema, video, and installations, to online creations.
As an association governed by the Act of July 1, 1901, the Jeu de Paume is committed to disseminating, promoting and supporting contemporary creativity in all forms of mechanical and electronic image, and promoting knowledge and understanding of photography from its origins to the present day.
The Jeu de Paume is a multi-site institution, with exhibition spaces both at its historic site on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, and in the Château de Tours.
As a leading centre for experimentation and the exploration of past and current artistic creativity, cultural mediation and raising public awareness are a critical part of the Jeu de Paume’s activities.
The Jeu de Paume has an active exhibitions policy, with three exhibition cycles a year in Paris and two exhibitions a year at the Château de Tours, as part of its partnership with the city of Tours. It is also increasingly involved in outreach initiatives, with numerous co-productions and travelling exhibitions in France and abroad.
The Jeu de Paume also runs a wide range of other activities as part of its programme, including debates, film series, performances, net art, training, research, talks, etc.
It is subsidised by the French Ministry of Culture, with an annual budget of EUR 7.7 million in 2018 and a team of around 40 staff.
1. Purpose of call for applications
The purpose of this call for applications is to appoint the Director of the Jeu de Paume.
2. Role and responsibilities of the Director
The Director reports to the President of the association and is responsible for the following:
–Definition and implementation of an ambitious artistic and cultural programme, which supports the institution’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally
–Team management and supervision
–Management, coordination and planning of the activities of the Jeu de Paume’s various departments
–Administrative and financial management of the association
–Presenting the artistic and cultural programme, budget, any changes to it, and the Jeu de Paume’s annual report to
the administrative board and general meeting
–Designing a programme of educational and cultural activities, publications, mediation and raising public awareness
–Developing partnerships of all kinds, particularly with cultural institutions in France and abroad, to support the institution’s outreach work and build its reputation
–Ensuring the financial health of the institution, in particular by implementing an active policy to develop its own resources (sponsorship, private-sector initiatives, etc.)
–Ensuring high-quality social dialogue within the organisation
3. Background and skills required
–Excellent knowledge of the contemporary art scene and the history of photography from the 19th century to the present day
–Solid experience of managing an arts and cultural institution
–Leadership qualities and solid team management and supervision skills
–Very good interpersonal skills, a sense of initiative, creativity, dynamism and a global vision
–Fluent French and English. Knowledge of other languages would be an advantage
–High level of availability, frequent travel in France and internationally, evening and weekend commitments
4. Working conditions and remuneration
Full-time, permanent position, based in Paris
Remuneration according to experience
National collective bargaining agreement for the sector (Convention collective nationale de l’animation)
5. Applications
Candidates must send their application in French to the President of the Jeu de Paume, including a CV and covering letter, setting out the broad outlines of the plan they envisage for the Jeu de Paume (2 pages maximum).
Applications must be submitted by e-mail only, to the following address: recrutdirection [at] jeudepaume.org with “Candidature Direction” followed by the applicant’s name in the subject line.
Deadline for receipt of applications: midnight on Friday, September 14, 2018
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6. Selection procedure
Applications will be examined by an expert selection committee, chaired by the President of the association.
Applicants who are shortlisted for an interview with the selection committee will be notified by e-mail after September 24, 2018.
In preparation for the interview with the selection committee, they will be invited to submit an artistic and cultural project to the President of the association by October 12, 2018 at the latest, outlining its scope, the main areas of the programme and its practical arrangements. A programme plan and budget for the next few years should be included. This should be in the form of a typed proposal, in French, no more than 10 pages long.
Interviews with the selection committee will be held in Paris on October 18, 2018 (this date is indicative only and is subject to change).
The applicants’ personal and professional information will be kept strictly confidential.
7. Further information
All the necessary information can be found on the website www.jeudepaume.org
