• Develop and curate the artistic programme of Borealis – both the festival and year-round projects – in line with the organisation’s objectives, strategy and budget
• Establish and follow up artistic collaborations nationally and internationally
• Plan, evaluate and document artistic projects
• Contribute to the development of applications and funding strategies, with particular responsibility for artistic content and international applications
• Be responsible for the festival’s communication strategy and editorial content
• Collaborate with the Managing Director on organisational development, audience development and overall strategy
• Represent the festival publicly and build relationships with artists, professional communities, partners and audiences
• Participate in debates on cultural policy and contribute to making experimental music more visible in the public sphere

• Artistic and curatorial expertise in contemporary and experimental music, sound art or interdisciplinary art
• Relevant experience in programming, project management and collaboration in artistic projects
• A good understanding of the role of art in society – and a desire to challenge established structures and ways of thinking
• A strong international network
• The ability to express yourself well in written and spoken English and preferably a Nordic language
• Good collaboration skills and ability to balance artistic vision with organisational considerations

It is an advantage if you:

• Are familiar with the Norwegian and Bergen art and music scene
• Have experience with grant applications and fundraising
• Have worked with audience development and communication strategies

• The position is an 80% fixed-term position for 4 years, with the possibility of a renewed term after 4 years. Adjustment of the percentage of the position can be discussed according to the candidate’s needs.
• The position is expected to start in August 2026, with room for flexibility and a transition period.
• The Artistic Director reports to the board and works closely with the Managing Director as an equal partner in the festival’s management.
• Working place is Bergen, Norway
• Working weekends and late nights will occur

We believe that diversity is a prerequisite for artistic innovation.

Applicants must identify with our core values: curious, challenging, playful, generous. Borealis wants a diverse workplace that reflects the population in terms of gender, age, disabilities, cultural, ethnic and social background amongst other things, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply!

Application deadline: 15 June 2025

Follow the link to the application form and upload your CV and application letter with links to previous relevant work and references.

Questions about the position? Get in touch with:

Agnes Hvizdalek, Managing Director, Borealis
agnes@borealisfestival.no / +4745685370

Ruth Grung, Chair of the Board, Borealis
styreleder@borealisfestival.no

VISION
Experimental music for everyone

PURPOSE
Borealis is a leading platform for experimental music and art, through both an annual festival and year-round activities. Borealis aims to challenge the establishment and promote collaboration. Borealis prioritises artistic freedom, diversity and sustainability, and provides a space for voices and perspectives that would otherwise not be heard. Borealis aims to be a key player in cultural life, setting the agenda and promoting international artistic exchange.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES
Celebrate experimentation: Borealis aims to be a home for new musical expressions that celebrate experimentation and push boundaries.

Challenge the established: Borealis is a festival that continuously challenges established norms, structures and ways of thinking – both in music and in the way we think about society, culture and our common future. Borealis stimulates change, innovation and playfulness.

Support the development of new talent: Borealis will provide a platform for new talent who want to challenge the established and develop their own unique artistic expression. Through programming, commissioning new works, artist residencies and mentoring programmes, the festival will support young artists in breaking boundaries and experimenting with their work.

Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration: Borealis will be a meeting place for artists, academics and social actors who want to challenge their own fields and explore the boundless possibilities of music. The festival will promote projects that create dialogue between different disciplines and provide new insights. We challenge genres and traditions.

Promoting diversity and inclusion: Borealis will work to include different voices, cultures and perspectives. Borealis wants to create an inclusive arena that gives a voice to artists and social groups that are often marginalised.

Engaging and challenging the audience: Borealis will engage audiences in issues that challenge and inspire. The festival aims to spark curiosity and create experiences that offer new perspectives.

Create sustainable artistic experiences: Borealis will be a leader in sustainable festival operations, with the goal of minimising its environmental footprint and being conscious of its use of resources. Borealis will also promote discussions about the environment and sustainability, and challenge the art world to think differently about these issues.

Strengthen Bergen’s role as an internationally leading city of art: Borealis will strengthen Bergen as a leading international city of art by attracting artists and audiences from all over the world.

Borealis will challenge expectations of what a festival can be and create a dynamic platform for forward-looking artistic experiences.

ARTISTIC GOALS

• Borealis will have a distinct artistic profile, dare to experiment and allow room for failure

• Borealis will develop artists and create new voices

• Borealis will continue to push the boundaries of who can be called a ‘composer’

• Borealis will present a gender-balanced programme

• Borealis will present art from Sámi, Kven and Finnskog groups as part of its programme

AUDIENCE OBJECTIVES

• Borealis will contribute to broadening the horizons of its audience

• Borealis will touch, create dialogue, develop knowledge and stimulate new thinking and be playful

• Borealis will engage a more diverse audience in terms of gender, age, cultural and ethnic background, sexual identity, functional variations, language and listening experiences

• Borealis will continue to work to create ‘safer spaces’ for everyone

ORGANISATIONAL GOALS

• Borealis shall be a professional organisation and a solid and inspiring partner

• Borealis shall be an attractive workplace where talented people thrive and develop

• Borealis’ staff, festival team, board, volunteers and other collaborators shall represent the diversity of society

ECONOMIC GOALS

• Borealis shall have a sustainable economy that provides predictability and room for manoeuvre

• Borealis shall work strategically for long-term collaboration with supporters

• Borealis shall be able to make choices on an ethical basis and strive to uphold the principles of sustainability

VALUES
Curious, challenging, playful, generous