Short Description:
Kunsthal Extra City is the benchmark for alternative forms of contemporary visual art within the non-commercial arts landscape. In the unusual setting of the former St. Dominic’s Church in Antwerp, we present art with social relevance. We collaborate closely with committed artists, cultural actors, social organizations, and local residents to shape the Kunsthal.
The Extra City team consists of six permanent employees (4.5 FTE), supplemented by student workers, freelancers and volunteers.
Job description
As artistic coordinator, you’ll establish a clear direction for exhibitions , the public program , outreach , and communication , in accordance with the organization’s mission and vision . You’ll ensure the quality of exhibition concepts and processes and bear ultimate responsibility for them.
Together with the business coordinator, you are responsible for the general coordination of the organization and you monitor the position of Kunsthal Extra City in the Flemish arts landscape.
Within this job you are responsible for the following tasks:
Artistic coordination
- You coordinate the composition of the total program , within the established budgets: you develop an artistic and audience-oriented vision, coordinate this with partners and translate it into a concrete program and multi-year plan.
- You will oversee the process and quality of exhibitions and related artistic projects and events (performances, artist talks, festivals, etc.). You will monitor their implementation and manage project budgets. You will collaborate with internal and external curators and/or curate a large portion of the projects yourself .
- You curate at least one of the two exhibitions in the church each year.
- You ensure the successful promotion and mediating of projects and approve the external communication of artistic projects (exhibition texts, press releases, posters, etc.).
- You will work closely with the team on the realization of the various projects and manage the assistant curator, marketing and communications officer, and chief technician .
- You initiate and maintain contacts with artists, curators, partner organizations, galleries, and relevant educational institutions—locally and internationally.
- You will work with the artists involved and/or the business coordinator to find additional project-related funding and play an active role in recruiting and retaining sponsors and ambassadors.
General coordination
- You report to the board.
- You share general coordination and day-to-day management with the business coordinator (based on a consensus approach). Tasks include:
- You create and monitor the policy plan within the framework of the Arts Decree.
- You represent the organization to policymakers, the press and stakeholders.
- You help develop personnel policy and take care of the team.
- You monitor the further development of the infrastructure.
Application Requirements:
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and two references to Simon Smessaert at info@extracity.org . Your cover letter, no longer than one page in A4 format, should include at least a brief overview of the organization and an explanation of why you are applying for the position (one paragraph each). For questions about the vacancy, please contact simon.smessaert@extracity.org .
We will select a maximum of eight candidates for an initial interview, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, and/or Thursday, September 11th . If you are invited to the initial interview, you will be asked to submit your artistic vision for Kunsthal Extra City in advance, covering a maximum of one A4 page. The second round of interviews is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th ; an assignment will be given on-site.
Eligibility:
You fully support Kunsthal Extra City’s mission and vision and feel comfortable within its current programming. As part of our small, dedicated team, you want to contribute to the organization’s objectives . As a key ambassador, you will promote the organization’s values and mission. You have broad knowledge of and a keen interest in contemporary (visual) art and are open to social issues . You have a keen understanding of the sector and its emerging trends and can formulate your artistic and policy positions with clear arguments.
You have the following competencies:
- You can develop a strategic and artistic vision and know how to deal with objectives and budgets.
- You are able to curate exhibitions in a non-classical space.
- You have the sensitivities to collaborate with underrepresented artists, practices and audiences and set exemplary behavior in line with the values of the organization.
- You follow the artistic scene in Flanders and have a relevant network of artists and cultural partner organizations at home and abroad.
- You can think creatively about how to address and reach diverse audiences. You have a flair for language and know how to make complex content audience-friendly.
- You’re a team player, a clear communicator, and possess strong leadership skills. You adopt a coaching approach and can inspire others.
- You have strong organizational and strategic skills and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- You have a broad understanding of fundraising (funds, project subsidies, private financiers), or are willing to develop your skills in this area.
In addition to these competencies, strong motivation is also an essential criterion.
Conditions of participation
- You have at least a higher education diploma (e.g. art history, cultural studies, philosophy, history, cultural management, etc.), or an equivalent profile based on experience.
- You have at least 6 years of relevant experience in coordinating exhibitions and/or artistic projects.
- You speak and write fluent Dutch and English. The team’s main language is Dutch, but English is frequently used in communication with artists.
- You are flexible (willing to work occasionally in the evenings or on weekends).
Program Benefits or Awards:
- A part-time contract of indefinite duration (80%), day off on Monday or Wednesday.
- A position within a committed team in a dynamic, artistic and international environment.
- A varied range of tasks with ultimate responsibility and autonomy.
- Salary according to Joint Committee 329.01, scale B1a or L1, depending on your years of relevant professional experience. Relevant seniority may be taken into account.
- Meal vouchers, end-of-year bonus, commuting allowance, expense allowance, hospitalization insurance, prospecting and travel budget.
- Immediate employment is possible.
Entry Fee: none
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Deadline: August 26, 2025
Website link:
