Villa Romana Seeks Director for Historic Florentine Artists' Residency

A New Chapter for Florence's Historic Artists' Residency

For more than a century, Villa Romana has operated as a vital sanctuary for creative practitioners. Based administratively in Frankfurt, the institution manages a historic residency programme situated in Florence. Each year, four emerging German visual artists receive full financial backing to pursue their work within the Tuscan capital. Alongside a dedicated workspace and fully equipped living quarters, recipients gain access to a curated calendar of cultural engagements spanning local initiatives and international networks.

The organisation now invites applications for its leadership position. This role demands a strategic vision capable of balancing artistic curation with institutional administration. The incoming director will oversee daily operations, cultivate relationships with donors across Europe, and coordinate public programmes that extend beyond the compound walls. Curatorial duties include staging shows featuring resident creators both within the historic grounds and at partner galleries throughout Germany. Additionally, the postholder must manage the peer review process for future cohorts and compile the yearly publication documenting each fellowship cycle.

Compliance with German public funding regulations remains a core obligation. The successful candidate will also be expected to embed the residency within both national and Italian cultural ecosystems, forging partnerships with municipal bodies, independent collectives, and academic establishments. Living arrangements form an integral part of the appointment; the director is required to establish a permanent household within the property, accommodating partners or dependents where relevant. Day-to-day operations are bolstered by a dedicated administrative crew.

Candidates should hold an advanced qualification in fine arts or a closely aligned discipline. Demonstrated proficiency in managing heritage or contemporary cultural spaces is essential, alongside a robust understanding of commercial governance. Fluency in German, Italian, and English is mandatory, reflecting the cross-border nature of the fellowship. Prospective leaders must exhibit a collaborative approach, proven ability to mentor creatives, and a genuine commitment to immersive community life. Preference will be accorded to female applicants and individuals with disabilities, in line with German statutory equality frameworks.

The appointment carries a fixed-term agreement lasting four seasons, with a single renewal period available contingent upon performance metrics. Financial compensation will align with industry standards for comparable European cultural posts. Primary backing derives from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, which has assumed principal sponsorship since 2021. Supplementary financing originates from corporate trusts and private benefactors, including the Deutsche Bank Foundation, the BAO Foundation, and the Dr. Egon and Hildegard Diener Foundation.

Interested professionals must submit a unified digital portfolio comprising a cover statement, professional history, character references, and a concise strategy document outlining their developmental priorities. This final component should not exceed three pages. All materials require submission before the tenth of September 2026 to the designated electoral address. Enquiries may be directed to Julia Schleicher, who coordinates communications for the executive board.