Organizer Information
The Bucerius Kunst Forum is an internationally renowned exhibition center located in the heart of Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 2002 by the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, it serves as a non-collecting museum that organizes four world-class exhibitions annually, ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. The institution is famous for its interdisciplinary approach, hosting concerts, readings, and lectures that illuminate artistic themes from multiple angles. It is a cornerstone of the "Hamburg Art Mile" and operates under the mission of fostering a lively culture of debate and democratic engagement through the fine arts.
Title & Description
Curator (Kurator:in)
The Bucerius Kunst Forum has issued an open call for a Curator to join its dynamic team. This role is central to the museum’s mission of presenting art in new and thought-provoking contexts. The selected candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end development of exhibitions, from initial conception and scholarly research to the final realization of the project. The curator acts as a bridge between the artwork and the public, creating narratives that resonate with contemporary social issues while maintaining the highest standards of art historical scholarship.
The Role Overview
- Salary/Status: Commensurate with professional experience (Festanstellung).
- Contract Type: Full-time (38.5 hours/week), initially for 2 years with a possibility of permanent hire.
- Benefits: Restaurant checks, HVV/Deutschlandticket (transit pass), and employer-funded pension benefits (VL).
- Reporting To: Director of the Bucerius Kunst Forum.
Position & Tasks
- Exhibition Leadership: Developing and implementing original curatorial concepts and monographic/thematic exhibitions.
- Project Management: Managing complex exhibition logistics, including coordinating with international lenders and museum partners.
- Guest Curator Liaison: Providing institutional support and coordination for external guest curators.
- Editorial Work: Editing high-quality exhibition catalogues and writing scholarly texts, wall labels, and marketing copy.
- Public Programming: Organizing and conducting events, lectures, and tours for diverse target audiences.
- Collaboration: Working closely with PR, marketing, and the mediation (education) departments to ensure holistic project success.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Art History
- Exhibition Management
- Scholarly Research & Editing
- Cultural Education
Eligibility
- Education: Completed University Degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in Art History or an equivalent field.
- Experience: Several years of professional experience in a cultural institution (museum, exhibition house, or gallery).
- Language: Native or business-level fluency in German (C1/C2) and English (Bilingual/Business level) is mandatory.
- Skills: Demonstrated scholarly expertise, strong organizational ability, and proficiency in MS Office.
Program Benefits
- Strategic Autonomy: The opportunity to realize your own curatorial ideas in a globally recognized institution.
- Prime Location: A central workplace located directly next to the Hamburg City Hall.
- Professional Growth: Experience in an "internationally acting" exhibition house with high-level networking opportunities.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a motivated, small, and collaborative team.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Meaningful Cover Letter: Detailing your curatorial approach and motivation.
- Professional CV: Highlighting relevant exhibitions and publications.
- Academic & Work Certificates: Proof of degrees and previous employment.
- Portfolio (Optional but Recommended): A list or overview of previously curated projects.
How to Apply?
Send your consolidated PDF application via email to: ihrebewerbung@buceriuskunstforum.de
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Notification/Interview Period: Expected late January 2026.
- Start Date: As soon as possible / Next available date.
Location
Hamburg, Germany
Additional Details
This is primarily a National Call with an International Scope. Due to the high volume of German administrative work, catalog editing, and public speaking in Hamburg, a near-native command of the German language is typically a prerequisite for success in this specific position.