Call for applications for Director position

After more than four prolific years, Chris Fitzpatrick’s term as director of Kunstverein München e.V. will end in March 2019. As such, the board of the Kunstverein is seeking a new director, starting in summer 2019, to lead the Kunstverein München into the future.

Founded in 1823, Kunstverein München e.V. is one of the oldest and most established of the 300 Kunstvereine (art associations) in Germany. The institution’s mandate is to support diverse artistic practices by presenting solo and group exhibitions by international artists, and to promote and ensure the engagement of a diverse community within the local context. Augmenting this core activity, the Kunstverein hosts public talks and lectures, performances, screenings, and publications, as well as an array of social and educational activities geared towards its 1,300 members. In the recent past, previous directors Dirk Snauwaert, Maria Lind, Stefan Kalmár, Bart van der Heide, and Chris Fitzpatrick have worked with dedicated and energetic teams to present innovative contemporary art, critical curatorial concepts, and relevant discourse—gaining considerable national and international recognition for the Kunstverein. Kunstverein München is supported by its members and Munich’s local arts council and its role as a key contemporary art institution in Munich ranks it alongside major institutions such as the Pinakothek der Moderne, Haus der Kunst, and Lenbachhaus.

The director’s primary responsibility is to develop the institution’s artistic programming and communication. The position is also responsible (along with the Head of Administration) for the budget and general management of the institution. The director will also be responsible for continuing the development of the “Martina Fuchs Archiv” at Kunstverein München, in an ongoing collaboration with the Stadtarchiv, and for leading the institution into its 200-year anniversary in 2023.

The director reports to the board, which is elected by the members every two years.

The starting period for the position is summer 2019. The appointment is a negotiable five years.

Responsibilities
–Independently devise and lead the artistic program, including curating exhibitions, organizing new commissions and other programmatic activities and events; providing an intelligible overall vision and management; and providing a unique international perspective on contemporary art developments
–Plan and manage the budget, expenditure, and general fundraising, in collaboration with the Head of Administration and the treasurer of the board
–Oversee and direct the team (in collaboration with the Head of Administration) to execute the artistic and members programming
–Oversee and produce all communications ranging from press releases, invitations, the website, social media, and all printed or online publications
–Build strong relationships with art communities locally, nationally, and abroad including artists, galleries, art, film and literary academies, collectors and external funders to seek and enhance support for the Kunstverein’s programming
–Host workshops, master classes, and curatorial tours with local and international art academies

Requirements
–Experience in curating exhibitions, including artistic production, contracts and loans, shipping, and a pragmatic / hands-on familiarity with installing exhibitions
–Excellent written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills. Public speaking is required
–Deep knowledge of international developments in contemporary art and a broad professional network
–Demonstrated ability to work closely and productively with artists within budgetary and time constraints
–Experience in managing budgets and overseeing administration and fundraising for contemporary art programming
–At least four years of professional experience in the field of contemporary visual arts
–Devise and attend member-related programming, including international trips with members
–Fluency in English is a prerequisite and German proficiency or fluency is a strong bonus; if not learning German is compulsory

The position of director at Kunstverein München is open to international applicants. To apply, please send an updated Curriculum Vitae and letter in either English or German describing your interest in the position in digital form to the chairman of the board, Dr. Ruediger Maass (ruediger.maass@gmx.de), no later than January 11, 2019. Short-listed candidates will be invited to submit a one-year program proposal (with budget), demonstrating a programmatic vision to the members of the board. Your application will be treated confidentially.

The first round of interviews will take place on February 9, 2019. The new director will be announced by the end of March 2019.