Board members

De Brakke Grond

De Brakke Grond supports Flemish artists in the performing arts, visual arts, and music who create work that stands out from and inspires the Dutch arts scene. We help develop, present, promote, and distribute that work in the Netherlands.

In recent years, Brakke Grond has evolved from primarily a performance venue into a network organization within the Flemish-Dutch arts scene. We identify and foster meaningful and lasting connections between Flemish and Dutch professionals and cultural creators in the fields of the performing arts, visual arts, and music, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

Based on our belief that working in diverse teams makes our work more engaging and relevant, we strive to foster a balanced, inclusive culture. For this reason, we also want to see a variety of perspectives represented on our board. We invite anyone who feels this open call applies to them to apply.

The Board

The Board of the Brakke Grond is responsible for setting strategic priorities, approving the multi-year policy plan and the corresponding budget, preparing the financial statements, and drafting the annual report. In addition, the Board plays an important advisory and supportive role based on the expertise available.

A board meeting lasts approximately 2.5 hours and always takes place at De Brakke Grond in Amsterdam. During the meetings, a number of regular agenda items are discussed, such as the progress report (prepared by De Brakke Grond’s (artistic) team), which outlines the operations and programming for the past and coming months. Afterward, the board wraps up the meeting together at Café de Brakke Grond. Of course, the board is always welcome to attend Brakke Grond’s programming events outside of these meetings.

The chairperson and members of the board of directors are appointed, suspended, or dismissed by the Flemish Government. The Flemish Government also determines the number of members.

The board currently consists of:

• 1 chairperson
• 8 members (4 from the Netherlands and 4 from Flanders)

The board meets at least four times a year. A board term lasts five years and may be renewed only once.

Profile

You are interested in the Flemish-Dutch cultural sector and want to actively contribute to helping and advising Brakke Grond in achieving the objectives outlined in its strategic plan. You have experience in a board position or are motivated to gain that experience. You possess relevant knowledge and an interesting network to strengthen the board (in a complementary way) and are willing to invest the necessary time in this, including by physically attending meetings in Amsterdam. You think strategically, policy-oriented, and problem-solving, and you adopt a critical yet collegial approach.

As a board member at De Brakke Grond, you will act independently and without interference, and you will conduct yourself with integrity and independence. We are happy to provide you with the opportunity to contribute based on your background, personality, and qualities, and we are also specifically looking for

• someone with legal knowledge (preferably in a cultural context)
• someone with knowledge of or experience in the Dutch arts sector and/or practical experience in cultural management.

Offer

You will join a dynamic group of Flemish and Dutch administrators with a wide range of expertise. You will have the opportunity to help further strengthen cultural cooperation between Flanders and the Netherlands.

You will receive a stipend of €125 for each meeting you attend. Your travel expenses will also be reimbursed. De Brakke Grond carries directors’ liability insurance. As a board member, you have free access to De Brakke Grond’s extensive cultural program.

Selection Process

If you are interested in the position of director, please send an email to vacature@brakkegrond.nl with your resume, a list of your other current positions and activities, and a brief statement of interest. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 25, 2023. We will conduct interviews throughout the month of May.

De Brakke Grond is seeking two board members. If the interviews indicate that a good fit exists, the board of directors will prepare a proposal for the Flemish Government for each position to be filled. The Flemish Government makes the final decision and appoints the board members.

When filling these positions, the candidates’ relevant experience, expertise, and motivation are taken into account. The selection process also considers how well the candidates complement one another on the board of directors.

More information:

If you would like to learn more about the position, please contact Bart Govaert (Director) at bart.govaert@brakkegrond.nl.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.