Vacancy Copywriter & Press Officer

STUK is a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Leuven, housed in a remarkable building featuring multiple stages, studios, an exhibition hall, a cinema, and a grand café.

As the House for Dance, Image and Sound, we present a diverse international programme focusing on established artists, new voices, and experimentation. A sustainable residency program feeds the programming.

Diversity and inclusion, sustainability, fair practice, and fair pay are shared values ​​and commitments in STUK's operations. Polyphony is a guiding principle for the team and the programming, forming a bridge to new audience groups.

You can find STUK’s mission statement here.

STUK - House for Dance, Image and Sound is looking for a copywriter and press officer (80%, indefinite term) starting August 17, 2026 (date to be agreed upon).

Position Description

The STUK communications team is looking for a hands-on writer and press officer who gives our artistic activities a clear, accessible, and recognisable voice to various audiences as well as the press. You will guide this process from initial text to publication or press event.

You will be part of the STUK audience team. This team is managed by a team leader and consists of 6 additional people (including this position).

You will also work closely with the artistic team on the layout of exhibition texts, brochures, and other content.

What are your tasks

Copywriting & Editing

This includes, among other things:

• filtering relevant information from text material provided by programmers, artists, and companies;

• rewriting artistic information into clear, accessible, and persuasive audience-oriented texts;

• articulating practical information in a clear and welcoming manner;

• aligning and revising texts in consultation with programmers and the team leader;

• coordinating proofreading rounds;

• collaborating with the graphic designer to optimally integrate text into the design.

Press Relations

You actively monitor the programming and translate it into a well-thought-out press strategy:

• you select newsworthy projects and angles from the programming offerings;

• you write and distribute press releases and follow-up emails for festivals (Hear Here, Artefact, and Body of Work);

• you maintain contact with journalists and the press, and act as the primary point of contact;

• you arrange interviews and provide press materials;

• you build and maintain a press network and proactively consider STUK's visibility in the media.

Managing advertisements

• In consultation with the team leader, you schedule advertisements in both general (newspapers, radio spots) and more specific media (trade journals);

• you monitor deadlines and coordinate timing with internal teams and external partners;

• you write advertising copy;

• together with the graphic designer, you ensure timely and correct delivery.

What we are looking for in you as our new colleague

• You write fluently and clearly in Dutch and English; knowledge of French is a plus;

• You can translate complex artistic or academic information into accessible, persuasive texts without losing substantive nuance;

• You subscribe to the idea that language and communication can lower the threshold for (new) audiences to become acquainted with art;

• You work proactively and take responsibility for writing communication materials and for contact with the press;

• You feel at ease collaborating with various profiles (programmers, artists, designers, journalists, etc.);

• You are creative, accurate, and can handle deadlines and varying workloads well;

• You are a strong communicator and socially skilled, with an open and connecting attitude.

What STUK has to offer you

• An 80% permanent job;

• This job can (if desired) be combined with a 20% position at STUK reception, which mainly consists of reception duties;

• An engaging and varied job in an artistic and internationally oriented environment with a driven and close-knit team;

• Salary in accordance with the Performing Arts Collective Labour Agreement (category B) with fringe benefits at company level;

• Employment from August 17, 2026 (other start date possible in consultation).

How to apply

• Send your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday, June 7, 2026 to Margaux Janssens (STUK Business Management): margaux.janssens@stuk.be;

• For additional information about the position and working at STUK, you can contact Margaux Janssens.

The selection process

• A reading committee, consisting of STUK staff members, will select the submissions.

• If you are selected, we will contact you by phone no later than Thursday, June 11.

• The first round of interviews will take place on Monday, June 15 (morning) or Friday, June 19 (morning or afternoon). The first interview will last approximately 45 minutes. You will speak with Steven Vandervelden (General & Artistic Director), Margaux Janssens (Business Manager), and Goedele Pyck (Public Team Coordinator). The purpose of the interview is to get acquainted and to gauge your motivation, experience, knowledge, and ambitions.

• If you are selected for a second interview, you will receive a writing assignment on Friday, June 19, which you must prepare by Wednesday, June 24, at 12:00.

• The second round of interviews will take place on Monday, June 29 (afternoon) or Tuesday, June 30 (morning). The interview lasts approximately 60 minutes. You will speak with Steven Vandervelden, Margaux Janssens, Goedele Pyck, and Sara Thewissen (graphic design). In this round, all modalities will also be discussed in detail.

• We will decide who our new colleague will be no later than July 3.

Do you not (yet) meet all the requirements, but are you very enthusiastic about this job? Do not hesitate to apply. We are curious about your talents and competencies and how you can help write our story.

STUK values ​​diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in our program, our residencies, and partnerships. We want to be a safe and welcoming home with room for different voices and perspectives.