Artistic Director

About Bureau Vermaeck

Bureau Vermaeck initiates, organizes, and produces national and international sports and cultural events—and whenever possible, we combine them into a single event! We do this both on behalf of external clients and on our own initiative. Our main goal? To create connections between people and communities.

Bureau Vermaeck is an agency founded in 2017 that brings together years of knowledge and experience in the events industry. Many of Bureau Vermaeck’s projects take place in Rotterdam, but their impact extends far beyond the city. We are passionate about events that add value to the city or cities where we organize our events and that leave visitors with an unforgettable experience. Bureau Vermaeck is the organizer of, among other events, the Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival. Visit our website for an overview of our projects.

The position

The Artistic Director of Bureau Vermaeck is responsible for implementing and executing the Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival’s multi-year artistic policy plan. In addition, you will serve as the artistic director for other Bureau Vermaeck events and current and future projects. You will also be responsible, in collaboration with the PR officer, for the PR and communications policy of the Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival.

You will put together the programs (either on your own or with a program team you have assembled) and maintain close contact with the project team regarding project progress and expected visitor numbers. You will also consult regularly with management regarding the alignment with and implementation of the cultural policy statement.

The tasks

Artistic leaders are both creators and visionaries. They play a major role within a sector and a society in which experience, culture, and ecology are becoming increasingly intertwined with the economy and (the consequences of) technology and digitization.

With your (demonstrable) experience in the arts and your natural charisma, you will serve as a curator and initiator of innovative programs and projects. By maintaining good rapport with everyone and communicating clearly, you will keep everyone engaged and focused.

• You will shape the artistic policy in close collaboration with all stakeholders;
• You will build new or existing strategic partnerships with the City of Rotterdam, cultural organizations, and stakeholders;
• You will maintain the external network, focusing on the national and international cultural sector, foundations, local and state government, and social and educational institutions;
• You will develop program projects with a national and international reach.

We are looking for someone who:

• is familiar with the Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival and understands the festival’s artistic vision, and can select a program in line with that vision;
• is a team player with creative and strategic skills, good social skills, and a deep passion for the performing arts, including music;
• someone who is familiar with current developments in the arts and culture;
• someone with a strong and relevant network of agents, bookers, and artists, both nationally and, preferably, internationally;
• has extensive experience with bookings and preparing quotes, and is familiar with current artist fees;
• knows Rotterdam well; and is familiar with what’s going on in the city;
• is able to work independently and has a strong sense of responsibility;
• someone who enjoys exploring unfamiliar or new genres;
• fluent in written and spoken Dutch and English;
• who knows how to combine creativity with tangible results.

What we offer

We offer you an inspiring work environment where you can help develop yourself, the projects you work on, and Bureau Vermaeck. No two days are the same. Our colleagues take ownership of our success and are always willing to help one another. This creates a pleasant work atmosphere. We work hard, but we also make time for a cup of coffee, a joke, and a beer to wrap up the week. 

In summary:

• Permanent position/freelance
• Freedom and flexibility
• Team spirit, short lines of communication, and an open work environment
• Salary based on experience

Our office is located in downtown Rotterdam, but we regularly work from home. Our office is easily accessible by public transportation.

About the procedure

Applications will be accepted until October 31. Please submit the following:

• A motivation
• Resume

Please send this to info@bureauvermaeck.nl, addressed to Eva van der Vegt (Director). Interviews will take place during the week of November 6 with the Director and the current Artistic Director.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are among the cornerstones of our culture of engagement.

About Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival

Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival is the largest free street party in the Netherlands and takes place every year on the last weekend of July. Parades, battles, the largest Rueda de Casino in the Netherlands, live performances, sound systems: the party goes on for 5 days in downtown Rotterdam!

Rotterdam is a city home to more than 170 different nationalities—all people with diverse languages, ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. In this urban context, people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles meet on the streets and in nightlife venues, influence one another, and together create new cultural expressions. These innovative forces fuel the city’s vitality and keep its focus on the outside world. Artists play a key role in this process as a source of inspiration and a catalyst, while cultural institutions serve as platforms and meeting places. Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival takes the metropolitan environment and the artistic innovation it generates as the starting point for its programming, creating a positive experience and festive celebration of superdiversity, and is unmatched in terms of its diverse cultural composition and audience numbers.