Foam is Looking for an Artistic Director

Applications open until Sunday 6 June 2021

Do you have a progressive and inspiring vision on photography from a global perspective? Are you an empathetic and unifying leader with a knack for recognising and fostering new talent? Then you might be the one to fulfil our vacancy for Artistic Director (f/m/x - fulltime).

ABOUT FOAM
Foam is all about photography. Foam is an Amsterdam-based cultural organisation operating internationally in the field of photography. Foam aims to expose the widest possible audience to all facets of contemporary photography through multiple mediums: exhibitions, publications, research, public programmes and educational projects. These take place in our museum in Amsterdam, in print with the award-winning Foam Magazine, online through an upcoming digital platform and at temporary off-site locations around the world. An important part of our mission is to scout, present and assist emerging talent. Foam sits at the heart of the international photography community and is completely attuned to everything that’s happening in the field. This has resulted in countless successful international projects and collaborative ventures.

THE ORGANISATION
Foam is a growing and developing organisation with a staff of around 35 people. In the period ahead, Foam will concentrate on talent development, internationalisation and education, with a specific focus on strengthening its relationship with overall society. In today’s world, themes such as migration, identity, sexuality, economic justice and the climate are largely defined, shaped and shared through images. Foam aims to present, interpret and question these themes specifically through photography in various exhibitions and programmes. As part of this effort, Foam deliberately aims for diversity in terms of images, perspectives, personnel, audiences and artistic developments. The goal is to create a Foam for, and of, everyone.

MANAGEMENT
Foam is governed by a board alongside a two-person management team, consisting of an Artistic Director and Managing Director who collaborate as equal members. Based on a balanced portfolio of duties, the management carries complete responsibility for Foam, which includes defining and fulfilling the artistic and business goals, as well as ensuring a stable and financially sound organisation. The principle of collegial decision-making is vital to this organisational structure. It is the combined strength of the two directors that ensures the relevance, growth and continuity of Foam. The Artistic Director is appointed by the board. The management reports regularly to the board, which carries final responsibility for the implemented policy. The board acts as a sparring partner for the management team. Foam is committed to the Cultural Governance Code and the Cultural Diversity Code.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
The Artistic Director
*Is an inspiring leader for the organisation who can ensure a strong position and profile for Foam within both Amsterdam and the Netherlands as a whole, as well as internationally;
*Is bold and persistent, robust and persuasive. Has a strong sense of direction and is a dynamic team lead;
*Is able to relate to relevant people and networks internally, externally, domestically and internationally in an open and interested manner. Seeks proactively to collaborate with all parties that are significant to Foam;
*Interacts with co-workers on the basis of openness and trust, has a listening and coaching approach to leadership;
*Is sincere, reliable, interculturally sensitive, and acts and thinks with an awareness of decolonisation, intersectionality and other relevant socio-cultural developments;
*Has and communicates a visionary perspective for Foam and photography in all possible forms;
*Has a clear vision on talent (development), monitors and studies developments in culture, photography and the associated public debates;
*Is knowledgeable regarding digital and technological developments, alongside their potential impact on visual culture;
*Is intrinsically socially engaged, has an awareness of social and ecological changes, and is able to navigate Foam’s significance and role in these respects as a photography platform;
*Is entrepreneurial and result-driven. Is able to connect public and social goals with private sector opportunities; Finds an effective balance between innovation and accessibility;
*Has demonstrated experience in management and has relevant experience and network in the cultural sector, specifically in the field of photography;
*Resides in the Netherlands or is willing to relocate to the Netherlands. Is prepared to travel, speaks Dutch and English fluently (or is willing to learn Dutch);
*Is a pleasant, empathetic and authentic person with an appealing sense of humour.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?
We offer a stimulating and dynamic position working with a committed and passionate team. The position allows you to further develop and communicate your vision at a unique Amsterdam-based organisation with global appeal and an extensive network. You will work with an engaged board that offers scope for personal development, innovation and entrepreneurship. The vacancy is for a full-time job with attractive employment conditions and remuneration in line with similar organisations in this field. The employment contract is initially for 12 months, with the prospect of a permanent contract.

APPLICATION
For more information please phone Naima Azough, senior partner at Executive search agency Colourful People, on +31 (0)6-43449717, or send an email to n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl.
You can apply for the position here or by sending your letter and resume to n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl, before the closing date of Sunday 6 June 2021.
Foam aims to fill the position by early July 2021.

Foam is committed to employees that reflect the multi-cultural population of Amsterdam. We believe in the power of diversity. In the event that candidates are equally suitable in terms of talent and competence, our preference will be for the candidate that reinforces the diversity within the organisation.

Acquisition as a result of the vacancies at Foam is not appreciated.

Foam is supported by the BankGiro Loterij, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, City of Amsterdam, Foam Members and the VandenEnde Foundation.

In 2021 Foam receives additional support from Kickstart Cultuurfonds and the Mondriaan Fund.