Location: Utrecht | Employment contract: 0,45 FTE in line with the collective labor agreement for Dutch theater and dance | Start date: May 1, 2025

What You See Festival is the leading, multidisciplinary and international festival in the Netherlands that focuses on gender diversity, inclusion and identity in art and culture. For this festival we are looking for a new director who will take the festival further in the new arts plan in his own way. We are looking for a director with vision and energy, who with his expertise, humor and love for art, culture and people, can take the festival to new heights. From the city of Utrecht we show a polyphonic program every year, in which theater, dance, visual arts and dialogue come together. Our goal is to shift perspectives with art and create social impact.

The festival is ambitious, connecting and personal, and works from a solid (inter)national base with a broad network of makers, organizations and audiences. We stand for inclusivity in everything we do. In the period 2025-2028, What You See receives multi-year subsidies from the Municipality of Utrecht, the Province of Utrecht and the Performing Arts Fund.

The function
As artistic and general director, you will lead the festival and, in close collaboration with the team, determine the artistic and strategic course. You are both the face of What You See Festival and an inspiring person who knows how to connect the artistic vision, business interests and social impact of the festival.

Your responsibilities
– Artistic vision and strategy: Together with the festival dramaturge and programmer, you develop an artistic (international) program that fits the mission and vision of What You See Festival and knows how to appeal to a diverse, (inter)national audience.
– Leadership: You lead the core team and work closely with freelancers, partners and makers.
– Financial policy: You are ultimately responsible for the budget and ensure financial stability through fundraising, subsidies and collaborations. In this you work closely with the business producer.
– Networks and partnerships: You represent What You See in local and (inter)national cultural and social networks and actively seek new collaborations.
– Diversity and inclusion: You are committed to an organizational culture in which diversity and inclusion are important at all levels.
– Business strategy: You work on sustainable growth and structural anchoring of the festival within Utrecht and beyond.

Who are you?
– You have an artistic vision that aligns with the themes of gender diversity, inclusion and identity and with the mission and vision of What You See.
– You have experience in a managerial position in the cultural sector, preferably in an international context. Festival experience is a plus.
– You are a strategic thinker with experience in fundraising and financial management.
– You are a connector who inspires and brings people together, both within the team and with external partners.
– You have an affinity with a multi-voiced and inclusive approach to work and the public.
– You have strong communication skills, both in Dutch and English.

What do we offer?
A challenging and varied position within a small, committed and ambitious team.
A salary on scale X in the collective labor agreement for Theater and Dance for max. 0,45 FTE, based on years of experience and expertise.
– An environment in which your artistic and business qualities come into their own.
– The opportunity to realize a unique artistic and social impact.
A network of (inter)national makers, festivals and partners.

React
Do you recognize yourself in (a large part of) this position and do you want to contribute to the future of What You See Festival? Send your motivation letter and CV no later than February 16, 2025 to bestuur@whatyouseefestival.nl stating "vacancy artistic and general director".

What You See Festival welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and identities. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive team.

Procedure
The first round will take place on: Friday 7 March 2025. The second round will take place on: Friday 14 March 2025. The board will actively involve festival staff in the search for a new director. An assessment/assignment could be part of the recruitment process.

For more information about the position, please contact the board via bestuur@whatyouseefestival.nl