[now here's some food for discussion on this list! ;-]



The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is looking for a new Director
To aid in our search, we would appreciate if you could inform us of
individuals who you believe are strong candidates for this position,
based on the requirements below. The candidate may be contacted by
the Selection Committee.


1. Position of the Museum
In 2003, the "Committee Future Stedelijk Museum" (which was invited
to present its vision for the Stedelijk Museum by the municipal
authorities of the City of Amsterdam) wrote, "The collection of the
Stedelijk Museum is generally considered to be a top collection with
an international reputation". The Stedelijk collection consists of
important works of modern art and design. The artistic staff has the
ambition to achieve a more prominent position for the museum locally,
nationally and internationally through the development of a
challenging and exciting exhibition programme, the production of
high-quality publications and the establishment of an active outreach
toward the viewing public.

2. The current state of affairs
A number of important steps have been taken in order to better
prepare the Stedelijk for the future. These include:
•establishing a temporary exhibition space, Stedelijk Museum CS (SMCS),
•installing a Supervisory Board for the museum,
•raising the necessary funds for the renovation and expansion of the museum,
•privatisation of the museum on 1 January 2005,
•improvement of the registration and maintenance procedures of the collection.

The new director will be responsible for leading these transitional processes.

3. Profile of Candidate
general
-He/she has the ability to manage the museum in a complicated
transitional phase, and is able to not only ensure the museum's
organisational and financial solvency, but mainly to re-infuse
artistic vitality and relevance into the institution,

-Combines artistic inspiration, knowledge and authority with proven
leadership skills, based on engagement with art, artists and museum
staff,

-His/her enthusiasm is contagious,

-Shows initiative and has the analytical power and social
intelligence to function effectively and comfortably in a complex
professional environment,

-Has an international reputation and an international network of contacts,

-Is a strong communicator and has a natural tendency towards
cooperation and collaboration,

-Deals easily and naturally with the political, cultural, economic
and public relations of the museum and has concrete strategies for
successfully seeking fundraising and sponsoring partnerships, based
on practical experience,

-Is a persistent, persuasive and effective negotiator.

vision/knowledge
-He/she has knowledge of the history of modern and contemporary art
on an academic level and is well acquainted with the most recent
developments,

-Knows how to translate this knowledge into a vision for the museum
covering diverse aspects of the institution, including exhibition
programming, acquisitions policies, collection management,
educational activities, the development of the museum as a 'knowledge
centre' and the international position of the Stedelijk Museum.
experience

-He/she is an experienced manager with experience in an organisation
similar to the Stedelijk Museum,

-Is acquainted with museum practices, which include managing a
sizeable collection,

-Has been - directly or indirectly - responsible for a number of
significant exhibitions,

-Is able to relate his/her interest in contemporary art and artists
both to the historical trajectory of the existing collection and to
future developments in visual art.


4. Procedure
The selection committee consists of three members of the Supervisory
Board and three members of the museum staff. This committee is
supported by three internationally acclaimed external advisors from
the field of visual arts. The director ad interim is a non voting
member at the meetings of the selection committee and is responsible
for maintaining strict confidentiality. Suggestions for candidates
can be sent to Maitland Search and Advice Agency: attn. Mrs. P.
Maitland

e-mail: [log in to unmask]
or :
Malakkastraat 127
2585 SL The Hague
The Netherlands

These suggestions will be forwarded to the selection committee. The
committee will make an initial selection of qualified candidates and
begin the interview process as soon as possible.

5. Appointment
Until the privatisation the new director will be employed by the City
of Amsterdam on a temporary basis. After that, he or she will be
employed by the new Stedelijk Museum Foundation. The director will be
appointed for a five year term, which can be extended. The museum
offers an adequate salary, related to the responsibilities of the
position.