A Tale of A Tub
A Tale of A Tub

November 3, 2026

Call for Board Members

Deadline: November 29, 2026

A Tale of A Tub is a non-profit institution for contemporary art and culture located in the former washhouse and bathhouse of the Justus van Effencomplex in Spangen, Rotterdam. The complex was designed in 1922 by Dutch architect Michiel Brinkman as a social housing project for the city’s dock workers, and is named after the eighteenth-century journalist, italic writer and translator Justus van Effen (who, importantly, translated the political satire A Tale of A Tub to Dutch for the first time).

As the only contemporary art space in Spangen and inspired by the historical, communal and residential functions of our location, A Tale of A Tub supports artists, curators, writers and practitioners from various fields of research to develop context-responsive projects that are intersectional in nature and often based on dialogue with the neighbourhood. As such, our program draws on the social impulse of the site, developing exhibitions, events, education initiatives and publishing projects to bring a range of people, places and (urgent) ideas into conversation through art.

We are currently seeking new members for our Raad van Toezicht (Supervisory Board), and are in particular aiming to appoint a Chair of the board as well as a Treasurer and an accompanying General Member. We welcome individuals with expertise in areas such as legal affairs, governance, fundraising, finance and cultural policy, as well as individuals with strong ties to the arts and cultural sector, including makers themselves.

Role of the Raad van Toezicht

The Raad van Toezicht supervises and advises the Director (Bestuurder) and ensures that the organisation fulfils its mission in accordance with its statutory objectives and applicable Dutch laws and governance codes (including the Cultural Governance Code, Fair Practice Code and Diversity and Inclusion Code). Members act independently and in the interest of the stichting and its stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Members of the Raad van Toezicht are collectively responsible for:

  • Supervising the policy and general course of affairs of the organisation.
  • Advising and supporting the Director.
  • Approving key decisions, including strategic plans, annual budgets and annual accounts.
  • Monitoring financial health, risk management and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
  • Participating in the appointment, evaluation and (if necessary) dismissal of the Director.
  • Acting as ambassadors for the organisation and supporting the development of its network.

In addition, the Chair of Raad van Toezicht is responsible for:

  • Chairing board meetings and providing leadership to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
  • Partnering with and supporting the Director as the Board’s primary liaison, including leading the Director’s performance evaluation.
  • Ensuring the Board fulfills its fiduciary, legal and ethical responsibilities.
  • Fostering an effective, engaged Board through orientation, evaluation, succession planning and a culture of accountability and respect.
  • Representing the organisation and Board with stakeholders, funders and partners, as appropriate.

And the Treasurer is responsible for:

  • Monitoring the good management of the foundation’s finances and budgets.
  • Checking annual plans and reports.
  • Providing advice on financial opportunities and potential risks.
  • Note: This role is performed at an appropriate distance from the foundation and is therefore not executive but supportive.

Structure and Commitment

Members of the Raad van Toezicht are appointed for a term of four years, with the possibility of one renewal. The expected time commitment is approximately 4–6 meetings per year, plus preparation time. This is an unremunerated (voluntary) position, though reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Profile and Skills

We are seeking candidates who:

  • Bring relevant professional expertise or a strong affinity with the arts and cultural sector.
  • Have an understanding of governance and supervisory roles, or are willing to develop this.
  • Demonstrate strategic thinking and sound judgment.
  • Are able to act independently and critically within a collective governance structure.
  • Have strong communication skills and the ability to represent the organisation externally.
  • Are committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Are willing to support and broaden the organisation’s network.
  • Have a belief in the importance of small-scale organisations and feel affinities with the artistic program as it is currently unfolding.
  • Note: Artists and makers are especially encouraged to apply for a General Member position and participation in the board is not limited to candidates based in the Netherlands.
  • Note: Due to the international make-up of the board, we conduct our meetings in English so fluency is required.

Application Process

Candidates are invited to submit:

  • A short statement of motivation in English or Dutch (max one page or alternative format such as video/audio). In this, please indicate if you would like to be considered for the Chair, Treasurer or General Member position (it can be multiple).
  • A CV or brief professional biography in English or Dutch.

Please send your materials as a single PDF to info@a-tub.org with the subject like ‘Board Vacancy’. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

A Tale of a Tub is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that diversity of perspectives strengthens governance and decision-making. We therefore explicitly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the cultural sector.

Timeline

Application deadline: November 29, 2026
Interviews: December 2 and 3, 2026
Start of term: January 2027

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring an accessible application process. If you require any accommodations, please contact us and we will work with you to support your participation.