Curator of Bruges Triennial 2027

For the fifth edition of Bruges Triennial, we are looking for an (inter)national curator (individual or collective) specialising in architecture and/or visual arts to compose the artistic programme for the open-air exhibition.

Mission & expertise of Brugge Plus vzw

Bruges Triennial is an organisation from Brugge Plus vzw, commissioned by the City of Bruges.

Brugge Plus is a cultural organisation that was created as a result of ‘Bruges 2002, European Capital of Culture’. Our mission is to transform Bruges into a vibrant and liveable cultural city for both residents and visitors. With a diverse and accessible cultural programme that values quality, hospitality and sustainability, we want to surprise, inspire and connect.

Our expertise lies in organising cultural events in public spaces, because we believe that this is where culture belongs. We present high-quality art and culture to a broad and diverse audience, which often has little exposure to such events. In order to continue to reach, enthuse and guide this audience, we have a highly developed communications and public outreach departments with extensive knowledge and experience in participation, education and inclusion.

The project team ‘Bruges Triennial‘ from Brugge Plus is responsible for organising the Triennial in Bruges, within the artistic, budgetary and organisational framework and goals agreed with all the partners. This team plans and organises the project, carries out the various tasks according to the project plan and communicates about it both internally and externally. In addition, the team monitors artistic, business and organisational quality, anticipates potential risks and maintains project documentation.

This vacancy is open to curators, programmers and/or collectives active in contemporary visual art and/or architecture.

Role description for ‘Curator of Bruges Triennial 2027’

General

As curator, you are part of the ‘Bruges Triennial’ project team, and more specifically, the team in charge of the exhibition in the Bruges public space.

You are responsible for the selection, organisation and presentation of the architectural and visual artworks for the fifth edition of Bruges Triennial, within the predetermined artistic and budgetary framework.

From the unique context of Bruges as a world heritage and contemporary art city. Along with the team and all the partners, you create an open-air exhibition with about ten ‘monumental’ works that artistically respond to the current and future challenges of Bruges and key center cities worldwide. In addition, you contribute content for an inspiring programme of activities at TRIBRU27 and acting as host/hostess for the artists and architects.

As curator, you report to the project manager for Bruges Triennial, who is responsible for the entire project and team. For artistic content, you also report to the artistic coordinator, who has final responsibility for content, strategy and personnel for all projects, audience, the public outreach department and communications.

Core result 1: Selecting, organising and presenting the art installations for Bruges Triennial 2027 and content advice regarding the programme of activities

As curator, you develop an open-air exhibition featuring approximately ten monumental works of art in the visual arts and architecture. The artworks will be carefully integrated into the urban space, both in iconic and unexpected locations, while respecting the historical, cultural and urban identity of Bruges.

In addition, you will provide substantive advice for TRIBRU27’s programme of activities.

Goal: To ensure a high-quality and inspiring open-air exhibition and accompanying programme within TRIBRU27.

Duties:

• You conduct research and help conceptualise the exhibition (vision, theme, locations, scope, etc.) in the public space within the agreed artistic and budgetary framework, working closely with the project manager and artistic coordinator.
• You actively build a broad artistic and city network and use it as a sounding board throughout your assignment and the Triennial as a whole.
• Along with the project manager and artistic coordinator, you are responsible for artistic prospecting with the aim of making an initial selection of artists, architects and/or artworks by visiting museums, studios, fairs, exhibitions, etc. at home and abroad.
• You prepare the different selection stages (longlist, shortlist, etc.) with a view to the final choice of artists and architects who will each create an installation for the exhibition. In doing so, you always take maximum account of the agreed concept and budget.
• If necessary, you help look for additional funding and you also help prepare an application dossier/pitch/etc.
• In consultation with the communications manager, you provide the necessary ‘raw’ content texts to promote the exhibition: concept texts, artist biographies, texts about artworks, etc.
• If part of the project, you also are responsible for the coordination and fulfilment of one or more publications: selection and invitation of authors, collection of text and imagery, etc.
• Throughout the project, you have partial responsibility for the correct information needed for a qualitative briefing of all staff, volunteers, partners and support services.
• You take care of a few aspects of external relations/public relations: contact with potential sponsors, partners and/or target groups and give clarification and/or tours, always in collaboration with the artistic coordinator and the project manager.
• You respect the deadlines of the schedule provided by project, production, the public outreach department or communications manager for the project.
• You help watch over the progress of the (sub)projects and any risks and are accountable to the project manager and artistic coordinator.

Core result 2: Host for the artists of Bruges Triennial 2027

You also act as host or hostess for the guidance and introduction of the visual artists/architects in the different phases of the project (prospection, implementation).

Goal: To ensure a strong collaboration between the curator and all the artists, with the aim of inspiring one another, increasing quality and achieving the ambitious goals of Bruges Triennial.

Duties:

• You organise the consultation in terms of content with the artist/architect and will be responsible for the necessary feedback to the project manager and artistic coordinator.
• You organise the necessary site visits with the (inter)national artists/architects during the various phases of the project. You are also responsible for reception, guidance and support as needed.
• You are responsible for hospitality (catering and possibly accommodation) for artists/architects and, if applicable, artistic crew throughout their presence in Bruges.
• You are the permanent artistic point of contact for the visual artists and architects in respect of the organisation.
• You share your network with the artists and architects with an eye on increasing the quality and appearance of each (sub)project.

Core result 3: Helping to ensure quality of art policy in public spaces

Sharing knowledge regarding large-scale art and/or architectural installations in public spaces.

Goal: To help ensure a high-quality interpretation of art in public spaces in the City of Bruges in the short, medium and long term.

Duties:

• Point of contact for art in public spaces for other organisations and initiatives in Bruges that have plans to introduce an artwork to public spaces.
• Sharing knowledge of expertise regarding selection procedures, plan of action and specific challenges in terms of production.
• Helping to formulate a medium to long-term art policy in public spaces, along with the City of Bruges’ cultural policy unit.

Additional assignments or tasks

Upon request, Brugge Plus staff can take on supporting or executive roles with events or other teams, provided this does not interfere with their own goals and core outcomes.

Profile

• You have experience in conceptualising exhibitions and developing curatorial methodology.
• You have five years of experience organising (large-scale) exhibitions, artistic interventions and events in public spaces.
• You have an active and relevant (inter)national network in architecture and/or visual arts, more specifically in new creation in public spaces.
• You have an affinity for art and culture, and working together with curators, artists, architects, art institutions and city departments.
• You have knowledge of the City of Bruges or can quickly build upon this knowledge.
• You have a dynamic, optimistic and authentic personality with competence in communicating, motivating, organising and are a problem-solving thinker.
• You can work autonomously, but are also a team player who possesses a thorough dose of ability to put things into perspective, diplomacy, creativity, flexibility and assertiveness.
• You are proficient in language and can formulate and explain ideas clearly. The spoken and administrative language is Dutch, but advanced knowledge of English is a requirement. This position is also open to non-native Dutch speakers.
• You are a good negotiator who formalises agreements made and budgets realistically.
• You are a ​proactive​ troubleshooter and problem-solver.
• You are fluent with common Office packages

Brugge Plus places more importance on people’s qualities and competencies than on age, sex, gender, nationality, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion or worldview.