Artistic Director
Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA)
Application deadline: 1 November 2026
M HKA is looking for a new artistic director and a new executive director to shape the museum’s future together.
The decision builds on the course the board set in July 2026: M HKA is to become an artistically ambitious museum built around its collection, with collaboration as its driving force. Each director brings distinct expertise, but the two will set the museum’s course together. The artistic director takes charge of artistic direction, the collection and the programme; the executive director of the museum’s organisational, financial and staffing strength. The result is a leadership structure that mirrors the collaborative, networked model M HKA wants to build.
Backed by strong public and sector-wide support, M HKA is entering an ambitious new chapter as a museum. A transition process running until 2028 will build a strong and sustainable future. The artistic director and executive director’s first major task is to draw up, together, a strategic plan for 2029 to 2033, the document M HKA is to submit to the Flemish government in January 2028 to secure its structural funding for that period.
About the position of Artistic Director:
M HKA is looking for an Artistic Director who will build on the strengths of its collections and further develop M HKA as an open and enterprising network museum. This is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of a leading contemporary art museum, set an ambitious artistic course and connect Antwerp and Flanders with artists and audiences worldwide. The ideal candidate is a strong coordinator and network-builder: someone who provides direction, motivates and inspires, brings people and expertise together, and delivers the artistic programme with the team, artists, researchers and external partners.
Key responsibilities and requirements: Lead M HKA’s artistic vision, collection, programme and partnerships, working closely with the Executive Director, team and external networks. Candidates bring substantial curatorial and leadership experience, a strong contemporary-art profile, excellent communication skills and a collaborative, internationally oriented approach.
Application process
- Applications close on November 1, 2026. Following an assessment and interviews with the selection committee, the board will decide by the end of 2026. The successful candidates are expected to take up their posts in spring 2027.
- Application materials: Both positions require a CV and a cover letter with a vision statement of up to 8,000 characters, including spaces. The vision statement should address M HKA’s strategic challenges and opportunities, the 2029–2033 policy plan and priorities for the first years.
- Interested candidates are invited to apply online via M HKA Jobs.
- M HKA is committed to a diverse and inclusive organisation. Candidates are assessed based on their qualities, competencies and suitability for the role, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, origin, nationality, age, disability, beliefs or other personal characteristics.
- We guarantee that your personal data and application will be treated confidentially.
About M HKA
The Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) is a leading institution for contemporary art and visual culture. The museum has its roots in Antwerp’s avant-garde tradition and has developed strong international engagements. M HKA is a founding member of the European museum confederation L’Internationale, and plays a central role in contemporary art in Flanders and beyond. Discover the programme at muhka.be
M HKA is a cultural heritage institution of the Flemish Community.
Image credits: LUCID photography voor M HKA
