CAMPO is looking for a new artistic director (M/F/X)

About CAMPO

CAMPO is a Ghent based and internationally oriented arts centre that develops, produces and presents innovative and daring forms of contemporary (performing) art by new makers and international voices.

It is at once antenna, catalyst and instigator of innovative artistic quality that is locally embedded, nationally relevant and globally resonant.

CAMPO works and presents (inter)nationally, ánd on two locations in Ghent: CAMPO nieuwpoort and CAMPO victoria.

CAMPO has a management agreement with Flanders (2023-2027), in which the artistic ambitions were defined in minimum smart objectives. CAMPO has been recognised for ten years in the previous subsidy round of the Arts Decree. We work around four artistic functions: production, presentation, development and (to a lesser extent) participation.

Together with NTGent and KASK & Conservatorium/HOGENT, CAMPO undertook to develop a vision around a shared infrastructure where a city theatre, an arts centre and an art school cohabitate.

WANTED

CAMPO is looking for an artistic director who is overall responsible for the organisation's artistic policy, vision and strategy, in close collaboration with a team of four artistic staff members and in close consultation with the managing director.

As artistic director, you will develop the artistic policy, vision and strategy of CAMPO as a leading and pioneering arts centre. Building on the past and on the current policy plan, you set out new lines for the future of a Ghent based and internationally oriented organisation for contemporary performing arts. 

As artistic director, you further expand CAMPO's strong network at a local, national and international level. You are a connector, entering into dialogue with artists and with colleagues inside and outside the (performing) arts field, forging alliances and establishing challenging collaborations. You have an eye for artistic renewal in a multi-voiced and changing world. 

As artistic director, you guide the various artistic practices and projects with passion and expertise. Starting from the needs of the makers and the projects, you develop with CAMPO the right context of support (dialogue on content, concrete realisation & financing, process guidance, distribution, audience, ...). You are ultimately responsible for the programmation. 

You have an eye for new voices and new trends but also leave room for more established names.

As artistic director, you are not only responsible for CAMPO's artistic direction, but you also take on a connecting and inspiring role towards staff and artists. You will collaborate closely with the managing director and report to the board of directors. 

REQUIRED

You are strong in developing an artistic policy, vision and strategy and can do this within the predefined financial and organisational possibilities. For the artistic part of the new policy plan 2028 - 2032, you are the inspirer and initiator.

You are a born networker and have experience working in a local ánd international context. You have a big heart for new forms of performing arts and are aware of the latest developments in the field. A solid artistic local and (inter)national network is a plus.

You are a cultural entrepreneur, take initiative and initiate. You are familiar with Flemish and European subsidy systems.

You have a good nose for detecting new talent. You are familiar with artistic processes and with guiding artists and creative processes. You have experience in developing an artistic programme.   

You have a flexible leadership style that you deploy with an experienced team and young makers. You are not afraid to take difficult decisions. You help to ensure the well-being of staff and artists.

You are by nature a great connector and bridge builder. You communicate clearly and inspiringly and know how to motivate people. You preferably speak Dutch or are willing to learn it, and are fluent in English. Knowledge of French is a plus.

WE OFFER

We offer a competitive salary in line with prevailing standards in the performing arts field.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by providing us with your CV, your application letter and a brief vision statement no later than 28 March 2025. 

We ask you to answer the following questions in a maximum of 3 A4s:

For you, what are CAMPO's artistic core values?

What is your dream for CAMPO over the next ten years?

How do you see CAMPO's concrete artistic development? 

All this can be sent to Ilse Delmeire, managing director, at ilse.delmeire@campo.nu. You can also contact her for more questions about the vacancy and position.

PROCEDURE

We envisage the following steps in the procedure:

- Initial selection by a jury of CAMPO staff, members of the board and external experts

- Introductory interview with a maximum of 6 candidates - 11 April 2025

- Assessment with a maximum of 3 candidates - 15 or 18 April 2025

- Content interview with a maximum of 3 candidates - 25 April 2025

The selection committee for the interviews consists of CAMPO's president and managing director and a number of experts.

CAMPO is an organisation that attaches importance to diversity. The selection will therefore be based on competences regardless of origin, age and gender.