Seeking new director

The Kunstverein in Hamburg is seeking a successor for its director Bettina Steinbrügge to start April 1, 2022. Since 2014, Steinbrügge has successfully led the Kunstverein as an internationally innovative institution for contemporary art. She has now been appointed director of the Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (Mudam) in Luxembourg.

Since its founding in 1817, the Kunstverein in Hamburg has been dedicated to presenting and drawing attention to the latest artistic visions. As a home to artistic production, exhibition, education, and critical discourse, the Kunstverein is known worldwide as a platform for artistic visions offering new perspectives on art and society.

With the support of a panel of external experts, the board of directors is seeking someone to take over the independent artistic, commercial, and organizational direction of the Verein’s activities. Responsibilities include developing, organizing, and presenting original and ambitious exhibitions of international contemporary art, interfacing with the public, publishing catalogues, presenting annual gifts and editions, hosting lectures and symposiums, organizing art trips, applying for grants, and recruiting members, as well as leading an approx. ten-person team.

Requirements:
–Master’s Degree in fine arts or related and several years of experience in contemporary art with a detailed knowledge of the international arts scene and the latest developments and discourses.
–Demonstrable experience in curating and planning exhibitions, writing and editing publications, and presenting contemporary art.
–Leadership and organizational experience as well as outstanding teamwork skills and competence managing the staff of a complex organization.
–Experience in public speaking and excellent verbal communication skills with Verein members, exhibition visitors, colleagues, and staff as well as the press and politicians.
–Detailed knowledge of business planning, especially budgeting, financial planning, and account statements.
–Experience cultivating third-party funding and sponsoring support.
–Active and international connections to institutions and individuals in the contemporary art world.
–Competency in digital media, especially implementing digital content and working with a variety of computer software.
–Demonstrable interest and knowledge of the arts and culture scene in Hamburg and the region and willingness to collaborate with other institutions.
–Willingness to make Hamburg your full-time or primary place of residence.
–Full professional proficiency in German and English.
–Knowledge of the Kunstverein’s history and a clear vision for its artistic and structural future.

We offer:
–a full-time position as director of the Kunstverein in Hamburg with a five-year contract and the possibility of a three-year extension as well as a competitive salary with both fixed and variable compensation provisions;
–artistic autonomy in the selection and organization of the program and accompanying activities;
–the support of the board of directors in any and all questions and challenges;
–a stable financial and organizational structure with currently around 2,000 members, a group of supporting members, a team of approx. 10 permanent employees, and a pool of freelance associates.

It is important to the Kunstverein to represent the cultural and social diversity of our society. We are especially interested in applications from individuals affected by racism, members of minority groups or with refugee backgrounds, inter and trans people, and people with handicaps. Applications from teams will also be accepted.

To apply, please write a brief description (max. 2 DIN A4 pages) of why you would like to be director of the Kunstverein, the qualities and experiences you offer, and how these fulfill the above-mentioned criteria. In addition, please include a CV and links to any relevant work (max. 2 DIN A4 pages). Applications must be written in German. Please send applications as one file (max. 2 MB) by January 7, 2022 to friederike.mueller@freshfields.com (office of Prof. Dr. Christoph H. Seibt, Chairman of the Board of the Kunstverein in Hamburg).