Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
Introduction: Exploring Innovative Contemporary Art with Vleeshal Center
Vleeshal Center for Contemporary Art presents experimental contemporary art, aiming to provoke contemplation and surprise within a diverse audience—both locally and internationally. Emerging artists at Vleeshal have the opportunity to expand and enrich their artistic practice by creating new works that engage with the specific exhibition context. Under the guidance of Director Roos Gortzak, artists like Cally Spooner, Ola Vasiljeva, Simone Forti, Andrea Éva Györi, Matthew Lutz-Kinoy, and Paul Maheke have embraced this challenge.
Embracing Radical Experimentation in a Changing Landscape
In today’s fast-paced world dominated by consumer capitalism and experiential culture, the imperative to create and sustain spaces for radical experimentation grows. These spaces allow for unhurried exploration, trial and error, and transformative learning. The unique exhibition space at Vleeshal, situated in Middelburg’s former meat market, offers an ideal platform for such experimentation, featuring imposing proportions, a Gothic vaulted ceiling, and a tiled chessboard floor—a significant departure from the conventional white cube. Since 2015, Vleeshal has expanded its commitment to experimentation beyond its Middelburg base, embarking on a nomadic program that explores presenting artworks in unconventional venues and contexts across the globe through performances, exhibitions, and diverse programs.
Pioneering Vision Amidst Change: The BIS Subsidy and Beyond
In 2020, just before the pandemic reshaped our world, Vleeshal secured a four-year governmental subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Culture (BIS). This subsidy enabled the exploration of “Rituals of Care” from 2021 to 2024. Furthermore, it expanded our nomadic endeavors, providing an opportunity to embrace varied perspectives and extend our reach. Thus, we sought external curatorial talents, leading to the appointment of Nomaduma Rosa Masilela and Thiago de Paula Souza for 2022–2023. As their tenure concludes this year, we now seek new nomadic curators for 2024–2025.
Charting a Curatorial Path: Nomadic Program and Pandemic Reflections
As the incoming curator, you will craft the nomadic program according to your artistic vision. Beyond reflecting on “Rituals of Care,” we invite you to examine its newfound significance in the wake of the pandemic. We aspire to a nomadic program that acknowledges the pandemic’s impact on the art world, engages with internationalism, and probes the concept of nomadism within local and contextual frames.
Position Overview: Joining the Nomadic Program
The curator role for the nomadic program is a 0.5 FTE position (18 hours weekly), offering flexibility in task distribution. Commencing in 2024, you will shape the program remotely in tandem with Vleeshal, operating from your local context. We seek an individual aligned with our mission, who can think critically and practically, working both autonomously and collaboratively within the Vleeshal team.
Qualifications and Responsibilities: Crafting the Curatorial Journey
Applicants should possess a relevant degree, a minimum of two years’ curatorial experience, an extensive professional network, and a distinct curatorial vision. Geographical location is not a constraint for application, and relocation is unnecessary.
As curator of the nomadic program, you will:
- Coordinate and execute diverse projects (performances, exhibitions, publications, events) constituting Vleeshal’s nomadic program in dialogue with the director.
- Facilitate regular inspiring exchanges through bi-monthly virtual meetings with the director and curatorial assistants.
- Oversee program budget and funding applications pertinent to your projects.
- Lead press and communication efforts, crafting content, liaising with media channels, and generating promotional materials.
- Cultivate a broad understanding of contemporary art and related fields worldwide, along with a comprehensive global network.
Compensation and Application Process: Envision Your Role
In adherence to Fair Practice Code and the Dutch Museum CAO, the salary ranges from 3,400 to 4,200 EUR depending on experience.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a motivational letter detailing their vision for Vleeshal’s nomadic program 2024–2025, including one project description, a CV, and the contact information of two references, by September 1, 2023. Applications from around the world are encouraged. The international committee will select the nomadic program curator, with online interviews.
Apply Today: Share Your Vision
Send your application to office[at]vleeshal.nl with the subject line: Application Curator Nomadic Program + Your Name.
