Lead Curator vacancy at World Press Photo Foundation

The World Press Photo Foundation is currently looking for a Lead Curator, starting in August of this year.

About the position

The exhibitions team currently consists of 7 people who passionately work with one goal in mind: maximizing impact through reaching as many people as possible. Seeing our audiences interact with the awarded visual journalism is what makes us tick. In bringing the exhibition to as many different places as possible we can count on a vast pool of long term exhibition partners. But, we are always looking for options to increase our global presence, especially in those regions that are currently underrepresented. Together with our global partners we maximize the impact of the exhibition by organizing related side programs like guided tours, lectures and photographer meetups.

Over the past 3 years, we have pro-actively initiated the development of new exhibition concepts, next to the existing annual exhibition. Often in collaboration with exhibition partners, we created these new exhibition formats to serve our audiences with different content, such as exhibitions on the African Photojournalism Database and thematic exhibitions based on our archive. For example: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/exhibitions/highlights/2022/migration-21st-century

As we are convinced there is a lot of potential in this line of exhibitions, we are now looking for a Lead Curator to oversee the creative process, research and development of new exhibitions, and bring this part of our mission, in collaboration with the team, to the next level.

We need someone with a clear vision on developing new and innovative thematic exhibitions and translate that into a short and long term strategic plan. Someone who can identify exhibition opportunities in our extensive archive (going back as far as 1955) and has the experience and international contacts to execute new exhibitions initiatives and formats.

You’ll be working closely with our Account Manager Exhibitions and together you will develop a funding and partnership strategy.

As we exhibit in many different places, from museums to galleries, from train stations to outdoor exhibitions, we are looking for someone that can develop, innovate and oversee our creative strategy and its outputs.

Your tasks

• Responsible for creative strategy and exhibition development: conceptualize and develop new exhibitions formats and themes with relevance and appeal to (local) audiences and in alignment with WPPF’s mission, priorities, budget and agreed goals;
• Research, develop and curate new exhibitions based on our archive, specific themes or geographical regions;
• Lead the exhibitions team in developing the creative strategy and working closely with team members in executing the strategy and curating new exhibition concepts;
• Preparing, curating, installing and promoting exhibitions worldwide (either on location or online) geared toward both targeted audiences and a broad general audience;
• Actively explore new creative opportunities to collaborate with museums, cultural institutions, curators and producers to attract critical acclaim, create new partnerships and reach new audiences;
• Ensure that WPPF’s goals around audiences, access, diversity, community engagement are integral across all of our exhibitions offering;
• Develop and present information to tour guides, partners, interest groups, or other organizations in the form of lectures and public programs within the field of visual storytelling and (press) photography;
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s creative purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, if requested, at fundraising events;
• Collaborate across WPPF to support efforts in fundraising, audience engagement, regional partnerships and communications.

Your profile

We are looking for a creative, positive, and energetic senior professional, who enjoys working in an enthusiastic and driven team. The challenging, dynamic and fast-paced environment that we work in requires, besides strategic thinking, a practical approach, problem-solving skills and a high attention to detail. You are a self-starter with a can-do attitude that actively seeks out opportunities. You also meet the following criteria:

• Relevant bachelor or master degree;
• Minimum of 6 – 8 years of curatorial experience in exhibition development in an international setting, preferably in a leading role;
• Proven creative skills in developing (touring) exhibitions concepts and a history of managing exhibitions of increasing scale and complexity from start to finish;
• Excellent project management skills; proven expertise in managing and motivating project teams; ability to work under pressure and on deadline essential;
• Excellent and thorough understanding of the (European) museum market, cultural institutions and exhibition venues. Proven international network and existing relationships that will support the growth of our (new and thematic) exhibitions portfolio and partnerships.
• Experience of working collaboratively to build constructive partnerships and develop professional networks with external stakeholders;
• Creative, open-minded, and committed to innovative exhibitions concepts and welcoming of ideas from unconventional sources;
• Broad general knowledge, with a special knowledge of media, visual journalism and storytelling;
• Demonstrates keen cultural sensitivity. Diplomatic team player, with a sense of humor and innate curiosity;
• Fluent in English (other languages are a plus);
• Willing to travel occasionally;
• Living in the Amsterdam area or within a reasonable distance.

About the World Press Photo Foundation

The World Press Photo Foundation believes in the power of showing and the importance of seeing high-quality visual stories. Our purpose is to connect the world to the stories that matter.

For six decades, the World Press Photo Foundation has been working from its home in Amsterdam as an independent, nonprofit organization. In that time, the world has changed continuously, and new developments in the media and technology have transformed journalism and storytelling. Our mission has expanded, and we draw on our experience to guide visual journalists, storytellers, and audiences around the world through this challenging and exciting landscape.

Our annual contests reward the best in visual journalism and digital storytelling. Our programs – the African Photojournalism Database, the Joop Swart Masterclass, teaching visual literacy – encourage diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives.

The exhibitions program is central to the foundation’s impact and connects the world to the stories that matter. With 66 locations in 29 countries last year, we directly reach millions of people each year. The exhibitions program is also central to the World Press Photo Foundation’s operation as a social enterprise. The foundation is an independent, non-profit organization, and we generate two-thirds of our revenue from our activities, with the exhibition program as the primary source.

General information

The World Press Photo Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications that can make the organization a better reflection of society.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact Laurens Korteweg, Exhibitions Director (laurens@worldpressphoto.org), +31 (0)20 676 6096 or Erik Jager, HR Director (erik.j@worldpressphoto.org), +31 (0)6 55720076.

How to apply

Please respond in English before 23 May 2022 by filling in the application form. Please submit both your CV and a letter of motivation as a pdf document.

To apply, please visit the website of organisation.