MIDDELBURG.- The supervisory board of Vleeshal announces the appointment of Vivian Ziherl as its new Managing Director as the institution marks its 50th year. A renowned curator internationally, Ziherl will lead Vleeshal’s artistic program, strategic direction and institutional culture, guiding the institution’s curatorial direction, growth, and engagement activities.

Ziherl joins Vleeshal from her role as Research and Programs Manager at Kunstinstituut Melly in Rotterdam. Originally from Australia, Ziherl has worked extensively across the Netherlands, including with institutions such as Van Abbemuseum, If I Can’t Dance, I Don’t Want to be Part of Your Revolution, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Kunstverein Amsterdam, among others. She is known for her curatorial vision that promotes connection, research, artistic excellence, and local engagement. Ziherl holds a PhD in Curatorial Practice from Monash University in Melbourne, which unfolded alongside the foundation Frontier Imaginaries. She also served as Curatorial Advisor to the 24th Biennale of Sydney titled Ten Thousand Suns, led by Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinas and Inti Guerrero and alongside Tony Albert as Fondation Cartier First Nations Curatorial Fellow.

At Kunstinstituut Melly, Ziherl played a key role in the Name Change Initiative by which the institution formerly known as the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art proudly changed its name. The Name Change Initiative addressed the structural and symbolic associations of the former name with colonialism in order to foster a more inclusive and relevant cultural institution.

Ziherl assumes her new role as Managing Director in September 2025, following the conclusion of the successful Interim Directorship held by Julia Mullié since February 2025. Mullié was of great value to the institution by strengthening local relationships, securing additional funds and ensuring continuity for the team. Ziherl succeeds the exceptional 10- year Directorship of Roos Gortzak, who commenced the role of Artistic Director of the Groninger Museum in February 2025.

Vleeshal offers a platform for contemporary art in Zeeland that has been at the forefront of contemporary artistic development over the past 50 years. During this period Vleeshal has presented work by artists such as Marinus Boezem, Panamarenko, Carolee Schneemann, Jimmy Durham, General Idea, Pipilotti Rist, Germaine Kruip, Mounira Al Solh, and Sandra Mujinga, among many others. Vleeshal also actively engages in art across Zeeland through collaborations, community networks, education, and youth initiatives.

Jerry Troy, chair of the supervisory board of Vleeshal, on the appointment of Vivian Ziherl: “Thanks to the work of four committed and inspiring directors – Lex ter Braak, Rutger Wolfson, Lorenzo Benedetti and, until recently, Roos Gortzak – Vleeshal has built up a strong artistic profile and internationally respected position. In the time to come, and with care for the team and artists, we would like to strengthen Vleeshal’s roots in Middelburg and Zeeland and simultaneously further develop our international profile. Vivian Ziherl brings a unique mix of experience, insight and passion which unanimously gives us the confidence that she, as Managing Director, can lead Vleeshal into the future with vision and sparkle.”

Incoming Managing Director Vivian Ziherl comments: “I feel inspired by the truly impressive and internationally leading artistic history of Vleeshal that is matched only by the ecologically, historically and socially rich context of Zeeland which I look forward to immerse in over the coming years.”

“As I join the wonderful team of Vleeshal and the very active and growing context – including initiatives such as ArtBase and the Nesse cultural hub in Terneuzen – I consider the work ahead of us at a time when artistic imagination is a vital spark in shaping the stories that we have to tell. At this unique moment I am both excited and deeply honored to take up the challenge of leading Vleeshal as it enters its next 50 years.”

The appointment of the new Managing Director follows an extensive and public search, supported by recruitment agency Dixon and de Jaeger. Jerry Troy: “After the departure of Roos Gortzak, the supervisory board diligently and in dialogue with the team and partners in the field, established what kind of leadership is necessary for the time to come. We were therefore looking for an artistic leader with sharp acumen and connection building skills, who can further the position of Vleeshal as a leading center for contemporary art, that is rooted in Middelburg but active in the world at large. This requires leadership that is steadfast but at the same time open to dialogue and development. Someone with a keen eye for the team and the importance of local connections, and who sees cooperation as the key to making a lasting impact. We are grateful that we, with a broad selection committee from in- and outside Vleeshal, were able to choose from a broad array of talented candidates from The Netherlands and abroad.”