Organizer Information
The GEBERT STIFTUNG FÜR KULTUR is seeking young curators for its tenth edition of the KURATOR*IN initiative. This fellowship is based at the *ALTEFABRIK in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland. The program is designed as a support initiative for contemporary art mediation, offering emerging exhibition organizers a professional environment including space, time, resources, and expert guidance.
Title & Description
KURATOR*IN 10th Edition (2027/2028).
This 16-month fellowship (August 2027 – November 2028) offers the opportunity to explore a personally chosen theme in depth and present it to a broad audience. The fellow is integrated into a small, existing team at the multi-disciplinary *ALTEFABRIK house and receives professional mentorship from Irene Grillo, the curator of the Gebert Foundation. The initial four months are dedicated to research and conceptual refinement before exhibitions open in early 2028.
Categories
Curatorial Practice, Contemporary Art, Art Mediation, and Cultural Management.
Eligibility
- Experience: Applicants must have initial experience in curating and communicating contemporary art.
- Education: Completion of a degree in Art History, Curating, or a related field.
- Language: Very good German language skills (written and spoken) are mandatory (minimum level B2).
- Location: While open to those living abroad, applicants with significant distance must explain how they plan to bridge that distance for the duration of the fellowship.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Salary: A basic salary commensurate with the field based on a 50% workload.
- Travel: Includes a General Abonnentment (GA) for the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).
- Membership: ICOM membership included.
- Resources: Dedicated exhibition space, workstation at *ALTEFABRIK, and basic project funding provided by the Foundation.
- Mentorship: Professional guidance and support from the Foundation's curator.
Fees
- Application Fee: None.
Application Requirements
- First Round Submission:
- Short letter of motivation explaining personal career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Brief thematic concept sketching four proposed exhibitions (approx. 2 pages plus images).
- Portfolio of previously realized projects.
- Rough estimated budget/cost assessment.
- Second Round: convincing applicants will be invited to develop a detailed concept (for which a flat fee is paid) and present it personally to the jury.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted in electronic form to bewerbung@kurator.ch.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026.
- Shortlist Interviews: Second round and final selection by end of 2026.
- Optional Prelude: Potential to curate the F+F School diploma exhibition in Zurich (April–June 2027).
- Fellowship Start: August 1, 2027.
- First Exhibition Opening: February 2028.
- Fellowship End: November 2028.
Location
Switzerland, Rapperswil-Jona (*ALTEFABRIK).
Additional Details
The fellow is responsible for conceptualizing and realizing four exhibitions (at least one involving regional artists and one in collaboration with Kunst(Zeug)Haus), organizing openings, accompanying events (lectures, performances), media relations, and active fundraising/sponsorship search. The fellowship concludes with the realization of a final publication.