Maria Schnyder, who has served as deputy director of the De Pont Museum of Contemporary Art in Tilburg, Netherlands, since 2021, has been appointed as its new director, succeeding Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen. In an interview, Schnyder discusses the advantages of rising from within, emphasizing continuity and deep knowledge of the institution's artist-first ethos. The museum, housed in a former woolen mill with 7,000 square meters of exhibition space, operates with only 18 full-time employees and is financially independent, allowing it to prioritize artistic vision over audience-driven agendas.
Schnyder's appointment matters because it underscores the value of financial independence and an artist-first model in an era when many museums are increasingly shaped by societal and audience demands. Board chair Taco Dibbits framed this commitment as urgent, and Schnyder's leadership signals a continuation of De Pont's unique approach, which has been described as "an artist's dream." The museum's distinctive architecture, which influenced Tate Modern, also plays a key role in shaping exhibitions, presenting both opportunities and challenges for curators.