Seeking Director

For over 120 years, Villa Romana has served as an artists’ residence for the winners of the Villa Romana Prize, Germany’s oldest art prize. Particularly talented, primarily younger visual artists from Germany are given the opportunity to further develop their artistic practice during a prolonged stay in Florence. The four prize-winners are provided with a studio and a furnished apartment free of charge. In addition, Villa Romana has made a name for itself in recent years through various events on-site, in the region, internationally, and offers artists a variety of options to immerse themselves in both of these contexts.

The organisation is run by Villa Romana e.V., which is based in Frankfurt.

Responsibilities
–Artistic, business-related and organizational management of the Villa Romana in
Florence

–Hosting and support of the fellows and visitors 

–Organization and management of the selection committee for the fellows

–Proactive fundraising, networking and expansion of current and possible future
supporters at a local, regional and international level

–Organizing exhibitions of the fellows in the villa, in Florence, and in German museums

–Publication of the annual catalogue of the fellows 

–Representation and advocacy of the villa in the German and Italian contemporary
art scene

–Networking and cooperation with local cultural actors, initiatives and institutions

–Monitoring in compliance with federal grant and procurement laws

Requirements
We are looking for a person, if possible, who has completed his/her/their degree in the arts or a related academic discipline (university or art college). 

–Profound knowledge of contemporary fine arts
–Several years’ experience in managing a cultural institution, as well as proven business management skills
–A willingness to actively engage in life at an artists' villa
–Practical experience in supporting artists and facilitating their networking within local, regional, German and  international art scenes
–Good knowledge of German, Italian and English
–Strong communication skills and integration ability
–High level of team competency
–It is expected that the director will take up residence, along with partner and family if applicable, in the villa
–He/she/they will be supported by a qualified team of employees 

The position offers a four-year contract with the option of a one-off extension to appropriate remuneration.

The contractual partner is Villa Romana e.V., Frankfurt/Main.

With the same suitability, ability and professional performance, special consideration is given to women in accordance with the Federal Equal Opportunities Act (Bundesgleichstellungsgesetz BGleiG), and to people with disabilities in accordance with the Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons Act (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz BGG), the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz AGG) and the Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch SGB IX). 

We look forward to receiving your application by September 10, 2026!

Please send your documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, references, as well as your ideas for the further development of Villa Romana on a maximum of three pages) in a single PDF file to vorstand@villaromana.org. 

Contact:
Julia Schleicher, Assistant to the Board, vorstand@villaromana.org

The organization behind Villa Romana and the founder of the Villa Romana Prize is the registered nonprofit association Villa Romana e.V. Since 2021, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) has been its largest sponsor. The association is also funded by private sponsors—companies, foundations, and private individuals—such as the Deutsche Bank Foundation, the BAO Foundation, and the Dr. Egon and Hildegard Diener Foundation.