Managing Director of Korzo

Korzo is a leading venue, independent producer, and creative hub in The Hague, the city of dance. We collaborate with artists and partners who operate at the intersection of dance, music, physical theater, and circus, pushing boundaries and looking beyond them. They find a place in and around our adventurous programming, which reflects current trends. At the heart of all our activities is talent development in the broadest sense of the word, with inclusion, diversity, and sustainability as key priorities. Korzo serves a local, national, and international role.

The Korzo building features three performance spaces (seating 204, 96, and 40, respectively) and three rehearsal studios. The encounter between the audience and (as yet new) performing arts and (as yet unknown) creators is our guiding principle. A third of Korzo’s audience is under 35! In short, we recognize talent, provide space for experimentation and research, and stimulate new developments. It is no coincidence that our motto is “Here to move you.”

Korzo is seeking an inspiring Executive Director with an artistic background.

After seven intense and successful years, our current Executive Director has decided to step down to make way for new leadership, effective with the start of the new arts planning period for 2025–2028. Korzo is on the cusp of a new phase, and we are seeking an Executive Director with an artistic background who can guide us through this transition.

Korzo is one of the 15 development organizations that form part of the National Basic Infrastructure and is included in the City of The Hague’s Multi-Year Policy Plan for Art and Culture. Two positive recommendations have been issued for the upcoming period of 2025–2028.

We adhere to both the Cultural Governance Code and the Cultural Diversity Code. Our governance model is set forth in the articles of incorporation and the board regulations. Korzo is a foundation with an Executive Director and a Supervisory Board (RvT), consisting of five experts in the fields of finance, law, politics, the arts, and social affairs.

The new Executive Director will continue to shape our strategic direction in a dynamic environment, with room for refinement where necessary. This leadership role encompasses both artistic and operational responsibilities. Together with a dedicated team of programmers, production staff, education specialists, technicians, marketing and communications staff, finance and HR experts, and facilities staff, you will ensure the continued development of Korzo.

As Executive Director, you are the face of Korzo. You inspire and motivate both internally and externally. You are artistically driven and responsible for the artistic policy, which you implement at all relevant levels in collaboration with the programmers. Our core values—openness, connection, and individuality—are central to this. In addition, you bear ultimate responsibility for the artists’ residence. Together with the Business Director, you form Korzo’s management team.

What we're looking for:

• A warm, visionary leader who inspires staff, audiences, artists, and partners with a compelling vision of the performing arts and the role of art in society.
• An independent thinker with a broad perspective on talent development and the performing arts, both nationally and internationally.
• An experienced leader and networker who can promote Korzo’s vision at both the local and international levels; fluency in both Dutch and English is essential.
• A bridge-builder who creates opportunities and takes collaborations to the next level with empathy and creativity.
• A leader who views inclusion, diversity, and sustainability as key priorities and places these issues high on the agenda.
• Someone who can translate strategy into clear, concrete actions in day-to-day practice.

Korzo offers:

• A challenging role within a dynamic and professional organization, where knowledge and expertise in the production and presentation of the performing arts are central.
• An inspiring workplace in the heart of The Hague, with strong local roots and a national and international focus.
• A full-time position (1.0 FTE), with terms and conditions of employment in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Theater and Dance, Scale XII.

The position is initially a fixed-term contract, with the intention of converting it to a permanent position if the candidate proves to be suitable.

For more information about our organization and activities, please visit our website: www.korzo.nl. Please also see the Korzo Long-Term Policy 2025–2028, our 2023 Annual Report, and the 2023 Financial Statements.

Are you excited about this opportunity and do you see yourself in this profile?

Korzo is being advised by the recruitment and selection firm Colourful People in this process.
René Burgler, a partner at Colourful People, is happy to answer any questions you may have.
He can be reached at r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or mobile +316 2857 5436.

You can upload your cover letter and resume (both in PDF format) via www.colourfulpeople.nl by 12:00 p.m. on September 12 , 2024. Apply right away, as the position may close earlier depending on the number of suitable candidates. Interview dates are still to be determined, but we plan to complete the process in September. An assessment may be part of the selection process.