To the main content To the footer

Job vacancy: Artistic Director LOD

Job vacancy for Artistic Director at LOD muziektheater

LOD is a creative hub for artists across generations, dedicated to developing a dynamic and innovative contemporary music theatre repertoire. The organization consistently produces projects with artists-in-residence (composers and directors), utilizing its artistic, production and organizational expertise and network. LOD also supports the development of artists new to the contemporary music theatre and opera field, through initiatives like the annual Bijloke Summer Academy. With strong roots in the performing arts scene in Flanders and internationally, LOD presents its work through various platforms, including its own LODstudio and the Bijloke Wonderland festival in its home city of Ghent.

 

We are looking for

1. An inspirational visionary for the future of music theatre

As the driving force behind LOD's continued growth as a leading music theatre institution, you will

  • Create a vision for the future of LOD that both builds on its rich past and opens new doors. In line with the current funding plan, you will shape the artistic course for the coming years and outline the strategy for the next funding period (2028-2032).
  • Bring a forward-thinking artistic vision that challenges the fundamentals of music theatre, pushing the boundaries of music, composition and theatre.
  • Nurture and strengthen LOD's position within the local, national and international music theatre landscape.
  • Be ultimately responsible for the future artistic policy and decisions made within it, ensuring the quality of the whole while developing coherent strategies for production and artistic development. You will work closely with the Executive Director to create a policy that is artistically, financially and organizationally sound.

 

2. A matchmaker and networker across disciplines

You will play a key role in bringing together diverse talents and disciplines from within and outside the music and theatre world, by

  • Creating artistic alliances that enrich, strengthen and inspire while ensuring LOD’s alignment and positioning within the broader music theatre landscape.
  • Taking a cross-disciplinary approach that goes beyond music and theatre, and forging innovative collaborations. You will be at home in many forms, from classical opera to urban music styles, including the work of emerging composers, theatre makers and musicians.
  • You are sensitive to diversity and can bring different worlds together within LOD's studio.

 

3. An artistic developer of practices and projects

You will provide strategic support for the development and dissemination of artistic practices and projects  by

  • Working closely with artists from within their own artistic practice and providing them with the right support from within LOD.
  • Leveraging your experience initiating and guiding creative processes in the performing arts as you instigate new projects for LOD.
  • Together with the Executive Director, developing strategic frameworks for artistic development and new creations, taking into account funding models, distribution formats and pathways for career advancement. You approach projects from an artist-centered perspective while also being mindful of the audience's experience.

 

4. A connecting leader for artists and team

You will be responsible not only for LOD's artistic direction but also for the well-being of its artists, staff, Board by

  • In a dual leadership model with the Executive Director (as co-Chief Executive with the Executive Director), fostering clear, transparent, and inspiring collaboration that strengthens the organization as a whole.
  • Harnessing the collective energy of the team, enthusiastically promoting LOD's mission and values.
  • Providing long-term direction and contributing to an environment in which artists and staff feel inspired and at home.
  • Being communicative and engaged, involving the team in planning, and delegating responsibility based on mutual trust and shared ownership.

 

Who are you?

  • You are a trendspotter and pioneer in music theatre and beyond. You keep a close eye on new developments both inside and outside the music theatre world, bringing fresh ideas that enrich the artistic landscape.
  • You think strategically and have a sharp eye for the long term. With your experience in vision and strategy development, you know how to set a clear course while remaining flexible to changing circumstances.
  • Inspiration and persuasion come naturally to you. You communicate your ideas clearly and inspiringly, motivating others whether they be artists, team members, funders or policymakers. You have a strong, hands-on mentality.
  • You embody LOD's mission and values in all your work. You are passionate about our artistic vision and convey it enthusiastically in daily practice.
    You are a bridge-builder and maintain strong professional relationships both inside and outside the arts world. Your networking skills help you create lasting connections with professional partners and stakeholders.
  • You understand the creative process from the inside out. Whether guiding creative processes or planning tours, you know what it takes to bring artistic productions to life. You create ideal frameworks for artistic development. You have expertise in building the right conditions for artists to excel and new productions to thrive.
  • You share ultimate responsibility and work within a dual leadership model. Together with the Executive Director, you lead the organization, with a shared focus on artistic and business goals.
  • You are an inspiring communicator and team player. You involve the team in new plans, fostering open dialogue internally and with the audience.
  • You are entrepreneurial and know how to leverage networks. With a broad (inter)national network, you contribute to LOD's visibility and connect the organization with new opportunities.
  • You prioritize the well-being of artists and staff. You recognize the importance of creating a supportive working environment and know how to contribute to it as a leader.
  • You are fluent in multiple languages. You speak at least one of Dutch, English or French fluently, and can communicate effectively in an international context.
  • You embrace Ghent as your base. You are willing to spend significant time in Ghent, LOD's headquarters, and are able to contribute to the local cultural dynamic.
     

Offer

We offer a competitive salary in line with the sector norms for performing arts.

Application Process

To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to vacature@lod.be by Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 12pm. For questions regarding this position, please contact Kathleen Treier, Executive Director, at kathleen@lod.be or +32 474 57 17 18.

 

Selection Procedure

A professional selection committee will review your CV and motivation letter. If selected, you will be notified of the selection procedure, which will take place in November and December 2024.

 

LOD muziektheater VZW values diversity. Selections are based on competencies, regardless of origin, age, or gender.