Seeking Director

Located in an outstanding sculpture park (23,000 square meters) in Villeneuve d’Ascq, the LaM (11,000 square meters of total surface area) is the only museum in France and Northern Europe to provide visitors with a variety of pathways through 20th- and 21st-centry art. It comprises a building classified as a Historical Monument and an extension added in 2010, an auditorium (100 seats), a gift and bookshop and a café-restaurant (60 seats).

The LaM provides its visitors with a varied and often surprising programme that includes great names and new discoveries alike, along with a crosscutting presentation of its collection that offers a fresh viewpoint on art history. By giving pride of place to new dialogues, whether in the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions or related cultural programming, the Museum stimulates curiosity and stirs emotions. Ambitious in its programming and mindful of its audiences, it also fosters encounters between artists, who, while bearing witness to their eras, each have their own, deeply personal perspectives.

The Director’s duties
-You will define the actions and strategy required to ensure successful achievement of the Museum’s missions, under the authority of the LaM’s Board of Directors and within the legal and financial framework set by the Board
–You will draft and implement an ambitious, innovative scientific and cultural project ensuring the Museum’s standing at national and international level alike. You will define the Public Cultural Cooperation Institution’s (EPCC) artistic, scientific, cultural and educational programming, also ensuring continuation of actions with regard to the ecological transition
–You will develop a programme of exhibitions, organise and constitute the Museum’s collection, ensuring its development, conservation and promotion while taking full account of the challenges involved in further improving the institution’s relationship with its visitors
–You will define and drive the EPCC’s strategy, its visitor, communication and partnership policies in particular
–You will reinforce the Museum’s role in the network of structuring facilities and events in the Metropolis and beyond
–You will take account of ecological and societal aspects, gender equality in all Museum staffing, and promotion of diversity
–You will be responsible for all aspects of the EPCC’s strategic management: artistic, cultural and (as regards its buildings) technical alike, taking full account of the guidelines set by the Board of Directors. You will assist with any major restoration work required for the building’s proper operation, carried out by Lille European Metropolis and which may involve temporary closure
–You will oversee the running of all the Museum’s departments, comprising a team of some 50 employees
–You will be guarantor of rigorous management of resources and draft an ambitious, proactive policy on development of new financial partnerships and sponsorships

Skills
–Art historian specialising in the 20th and 21st centuries, with demonstrated interest in art brut, qualified as a Heritage Curator or possessing other qualifications or degree(s) recognised by the Ministry of Culture
–Curator of exhibitions and partnerships of international standing
–Extensive, diversified experience in running an institution and leading artistic and cultural projects; sound grasp of challenges relating to audiences and communication,
–Strong capabilities and proven experience in management
–Interpersonal skills facilitating dialogue with public partners
–Familiarity with cultural and economic networks and excellent ability to develop the diversity of partnerships required to implement the Museum’s plan in cultural and economic terms, at local, national and international levels alike.
–Proficiency in English required; Dutch would also be a major advantage

Conditions
–Position: Contract under public law or under private law where appropriate
–Duration: 5-year contract renewable for periods of 3 years. Full-time.
–Residence in the Lille area strongly recommended given the scope of the duties involved.

Candidates must send their CV + cover letter + note about 2 or 3 pages long outlining their strategic, artistic, cultural, educational and scientific intentions and their salary expectations. Applications must be emailed to recrutement [​at​] musee-lam.fr. Preselected candidates will be informed in mid-October and will be sent the information required for drafting of a proposal bearing on strategic, artistic, cultural, educational and scientific orientations. Such file must be a maximum of 20 pages long (including appendices) and must be delivered in mid-November. Interviews will be held in December.

Recruitment schedule
Deadline for reception of applications: August 21, 2023
Start date: 1st quarter 2024