Seeking Director

Kunsthalle Basel is committed to bold, challenging art and exhibitions of emerging, young artists and is world renowned for engaging with pioneering practices in contemporary art with up to eight compelling exhibitions per year and an ambitious public program. Established in 1872 by the Basler Kunstverein (itself founded in 1839), Kunsthalle Basel is, with its almost 1’400 members, one of the oldest and most respected contemporary art institutions in the world.

To succeed Elena Filipovic, who currently directs the institution since November 2014, the Basler Kunstverein is looking for an innovative and committed personality as the new Director of Kunsthalle Basel (100%) to lead Kunsthalle Basel artistically, financially, and organizationally from spring 2024, or by arrangement, and at the latest from May 1, 2024.

Tasks include the development, implementation and presentation of an original and ambitious exhibition and event program of national and international contemporary art with an important commitment to regional art production, interfacing with the public, publishing of texts, public presentations, taking care of members, acquisition of cultural and third-party funds, as well as a motivated interaction with an approx. 20-person team. Further, the job requires a willingness to engage in the regional and urban culture scene.

Desired qualifications
–Studies in fine art or similar and/or several years of work experience in contemporary visual arts;
–detailed knowledge of the international art scene;
–a keen sense for new developments and discourses in contemporary art;
–experience in curating and organizing exhibitions and events, editing and writing publications, and mediation of contemporary art;
–excellent teamwork skills and competence in managing the staff; leadership and organizational experience is an advantage;
–strong communication and mediation skills;
–responsible handling of budgets and financial planning;
–experience in the areas of third-party funding acquisition and cultural support structures is an advantage;
–proficiency in spoken and written English; German language skills are an advantage.

Diversity and variety are important to the Basler Kunstverein, that is why all applications are expressly welcomed. Decisive for your suitability are exclusively your personality and qualifications.

Please send your application, if possible in English, consisting of a letter of motivation, accompanied by your curriculum vitae and at least two reference letters by e-mail to the President of the Basler Kunstverein, Dr. Martin Hatebur, at application@kunsthallebasel.ch. Application deadline is September 1, 2023.