Chair of the Supervisory Board
Sonsbeek is an international contemporary art festival held in public spaces, taking place every four years in the city and region of Arnhem. The organization has made a name for itself with high-profile and often provocative exhibitions. The event is currently organized by the Sonsbeek & State of Fashion Foundation, which oversees both cultural events.
To ensure Sonsbeek’s long-term future, it has been decided to separate the two events and organize Sonsbeek independently. We are looking for a
Chair of the Supervisory Board
The Board of Trustees meets 4 to 6 times a year
The Sonsbeek Foundation can look back on a rich history. In the Dutch art world, Sonsbeek is one of a kind and attracts a large number of visitors to Arnhem. Sonsbeek has also built a solid reputation internationally, prompting leading (international) curators to want to collaborate with Sonsbeek. The most recent edition, held in the summer of 2021, took place at thirteen different indoor and outdoor locations in Arnhem and Gelderland, featuring more than 44 works by national and international artists, and attracted a total of 148,000 visitors.
Due to the establishment of the new foundation and the new organization, the Sonsbeek 2024 edition has been postponed to 2025. The first task of the Board of Trustees is to recruit a new executive director, who, together with the Board of Trustees and in consultation with key stakeholders, will formulate a vision for the future of Sonsbeek and appoint the curator (or curatorial team) for the 2025 edition.
Who are we looking for?
This is a unique opportunity to help reshape a new cultural organization with a rich history. We are seeking a chairperson for the Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate will have extensive administrative experience and a track record as a board member, preferably including experience as a chairperson. The chairperson will provide leadership and guidance to the Board of Trustees and serve as a sounding board for the executive director.
We are looking for the following skills:
- An ambassador for Sonsbeek in word and deed;
- The ability to fulfill the role of chairperson with natural authority;
- An innovative and entrepreneurial thinker with a hands-on approach;
- An approachable team player, both within the Board of Trustees and Sonsbeek, as well as externally;
- If necessary, able to take on an external role in the best interests of Sonsbeek;
- Knowledge of and an affinity for the (international) arts and culture sector, and familiarity with the foundation’s field of activity;
- Qualities as a supervisor, sounding board, and advisor;
- Knowledge of and experience with political and administrative decision-making processes;
- Endorsement of the Code of Cultural Governance, the Fair Practice Code, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code;
- Having relevant professional networks in Arnhem is a plus.
Term
Members of the Supervisory Board are appointed for a term of four years, after which they may be reappointed for a second term of four years, but no more than once. This is an unpaid position.
Conversations
The first interviews will take place on June 8, and any follow-up interviews on June 21, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on both days.
More information
For more information about the position, please contact Sonsbeek Project Manager Juliëtte Dufornee atjuliette.dufornee@bmc.nl or 06 17 06 40 77.
Interested?
Interested candidates are asked to send a resume and a brief cover letter by May 26 to margot.boumans@bmc.nl, specifying “Vacancy: Chair of the Sonsbeek Board of Trustees.”
Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening
