Chair of the Board / Nominee for Chair of the Supervisory Board
About SKAR
SKAR develops and rents out workspaces for artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs in Rotterdam. In a rapidly evolving creative city, there is a great need for affordable and suitable workspaces. SKAR literally offers artists and creators the space to work, experiment, and build lasting connections with the city.
The organization currently manages 45 studio buildings and creative hubs, both leased and owned. As such, SKAR serves as a vital link in Rotterdam’s cultural ecosystem. Together with artists, creators, cultural institutions, real estate partners, and the city government, SKAR is working to create a city where creative pioneers can continue to live and work.
SKAR believes that the creative sector makes a significant contribution to Rotterdam’s cultural, economic, and urban success. Its network of studios, creative hubs, and makers fosters innovation, vibrancy, talent development, and community engagement in the city. The organization consists of nine employees led by director Olof van der Wal. SKAR is supported in its mission by the City of Rotterdam and operates at the intersection of culture, urban development, real estate, and social value creation.
Key challenges
The availability and affordability of workspace are under significant pressure. A shortage in the real estate market, rising energy prices, and increasing spatial pressure in the city are putting artists in a vulnerable position. At the same time, creative communities are becoming increasingly important to Rotterdam’s appeal and innovative strength. SKAR faces a number of key strategic challenges in the coming years:
- continue to expand the number of available workspaces and incubators;
- developing sustainable solutions that keep rent and energy costs affordable;
- to take a more proactive role and increase our visibility within the city and in political circles;
- expand SKAR’s role to that of a strategic partner in urban development;
- strengthen the links between culture, real estate, and social challenges;
- to further develop the organization in a way that ensures its long-term viability, both in terms of content and structure.
In addition, SKAR is undergoing a governance transition. The foundation currently operates under a board model and will transition to a supervisory board model starting at the end of 2026. This change requires careful guidance, governance experience, and clear leadership.
The position
SKAR is seeking a chairperson to provide direction for this next phase of the organization. A chairperson who brings administrative stability and focus, helps guide the transition to a Supervisory Board model, and at the same time contributes to SKAR’s strategic positioning within Rotterdam and beyond. The chair plays a key role in the collaboration between the board/future Supervisory Board and the director. The chair knows how to create space, connects different perspectives, and fosters an open, professional, and constructive governance culture. At the same time, the chair serves as an authoritative point of contact for the municipality, cultural partners, real estate stakeholders, and other stakeholders in the city.
Chairperson's Profile
We are looking for a chairperson who fits the following profile:
- Has extensive experience working with artists, creators, and creative communities, and understands both the dynamics of the cultural sector and the social value of these communities.
- Actively contributes to the diversity of perspectives and cultural backgrounds within the future Supervisory Board.
- Has experience in management and/or supervision;
- Is adept at navigating the complex landscape of government, culture, and real estate;
- Has experience with governance issues and, preferably, with transitions to a supervisory board model;
- Has a collaborative leadership style that allows for different perspectives;
- Is able to work critically and independently, with an eye for relationships and processes;
A connection to Rotterdam is welcome, but not required.
Gender is explicitly not a selection criterion.
Roles of the Board of Directors / the Supervisory Board
Supervisor– ensuring the continuity, effectiveness, and integrity of the organization.
Advisor– providing the director with substantive and strategic guidance based on expertise and experience.
Employer– acting as the director’s employer and contributing to good governance and a healthy governance culture.
Roles of the Chair
- works with the board and the future Supervisory Board to ensure the continuity, mission, and social significance of SKAR;
- encourages strategic reflection and long-term thinking;
- is guiding the governance transition to a Supervisory Board model;
- serves as a sounding board and employer for the director;
- fosters an open and professional management culture;
- represents SKAR in relevant networks and relationships as appropriate.
Practical
- The position comes with an honorarium of approximately €2,100 per year
- The board meets about six times a year.
- SKAR operates in accordance with the Cultural Governance Code and endorses the Diversity & Inclusion Code.
Comment
SKAR is being assisted by Colourful People in this process. You can apply via the application form on the website. For more information, please contact Winfred Voordendag, senior partner, at 06 28 28 47 06 or by email at w.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, June 23 (in the evening).
SKAR is committed to ensuring that the composition of its board and future Supervisory Board reflects the city’s diversity and brings together a variety of perspectives. More information about SKAR can be found at SKAR Ateliers.
