The goal of Stichting Geef om Cultuur is to facilitate, in the broadest sense, mediation, knowledge development and knowledge transfer in the field of arts and culture. This foundation aims to reach its goal by developing innovative forms of arts patronage, fostering research, contributing to the public discourse, and distributing patronage-related knowledge and expertise. Central to the foundation's mission is the creation of a Patronage Knowledge Centre or Platform, in which all relevant aspects are developed in conjunction with each other, and in which knowledge and experience are put at the direct disposal of the fields of culture and science. One of the ways in which the foundation intends to reach this goal is by financing an endowed chair in Patronage of the Arts at the Department of Media and Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University.

Stichting Geef om Cultuur was set up on 3 March 2011. The foundation is classified as a cultural public benefit organisation (ANBI) and follows the principles of the Cultural Governance Code. It aims to support cultural life in the Netherlands and to make it more sustainable, particularly by helping to enhance and spread knowledge about the phenomenon of patronage of the arts.

Utrecht University's Department of Media and Culture Studies provides education and research in the fields of music, film, television, games, new media and digital culture, theatre, dance and performance, gender and post-colonial studies, communication and information studies, as well as participation in arts and culture. Its academic staff and students study the relation between conventional, new and social media, performing arts, and communication from a variety of perspectives. Culture is interpreted as a dynamic combination of artistic, creative and everyday activities which people use to express their identities, structure social processes, structures and form institutions.

Research into Patronage in Arts and Culture is relatively underdeveloped in the Netherlands. The successful applicant for this post is expected to fill this vacuum by tackling local research questions in relation to international discussions on the economic and social value of culture, the relationship between culture and national identity, issues around the concept of citizenship as it changes under the influence of migration and other demographic transitions, and challenges around the role that heritage and arts institutions can play in this dynamic political, economic and cultural landscape. The present-day cultural field is characterised by innovations that follow each other in rapid succession, bringing about fundamental change in the arts, media and culture industry: from mass production and a focus on consumption to the radical expansion of cultural production opportunities for private users. With its focus on Patronage of the Arts and cultural funding, the chair will engage with these developments, which touch upon a wide range of themes, including cultural participation, heritage, citizenship, and identity in a broad cultural-historical, political and socio-economic perspective. These subjects are also central to Utrecht University’s strategic research theme ‘Institutions for Open Society’ and the Dutch National Research Agenda, two initiatives in which we expect the successful candidate to become involved. Similarly, we expect the candidate to productively connect with the new 6-year funding cycle of the EU (‘Horizon Europe’), which is likely to emphasize the role of art and creativity in social and economic development.

We are looking for candidates:

• who are experienced, internationally respected senior researchers in the field of the chair, as shown by a completed PhD, an extensive list of peer-reviewed scholarly publications in leading journals and book series;
• who are familiar with the Dutch art and culture sector in relation to its international context;
• who have experience in supervising PhD candidates in an inspiring and effective way, as well as in leading an international team of researchers;
• who possess an extensive international and national network in academia and beyond, especially in the sectors of culture and cultural funding and who are able to engage this network in order to develop original research projects;
• who have successfully acquired research grants;
• who possess excellent communication skills and are capable of inspiring a positive team spirit;
• who possess an excellent oral and written command of English (level C1 of the CEFR). If the chair holder does not have a native command of Dutch s/he is expected to obtain an NT2-level oral and written command of Dutch within two years of being appointed.

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of five years. Salary depends on qualifications and experience and will range from €5,582 to €8,127 for a fulltime position, consistent with the CAO (Collective Employment Agreement) scale for professors of Dutch Universities.

Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. More information: terms of employment.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. Through its research and teaching in these domains, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent facilities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University is an internationally renowned teaching and research consortium composed of scholars in Music, Theatre, Dance, Film, Television, Arts Policy, Communication, New Media, Game and Gender Studies. It is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to music, media, performance, and culture in general.