Organizer Information
Jaou Tunis is a contemporary art biennale established in 2013 by Lina Lazaar, vice president of the Kamel Lazaar Foundation (KLF), a Tunisian philanthropic organization founded to promote critical dialogue on visual culture across the MENA region. Since 2022, Jaou Tunis has been co-organized in partnership with the French Institute of Tunisia. The biennale has grown from its first edition — launched in the aftermath of the Arab Spring — into a citywide, multidisciplinary event bringing together exhibitions, performances, screenings, concerts, talks, and public programs across venues in Tunis, including KLF's permanent art centre B7L9 in the Bhar Lazreg neighborhood, Tunisia's first free, non-profit contemporary art space. Past editions have addressed themes ranging from post-revolution heritage to photography and moving image, drawing artists and thinkers from Tunisia, the wider Global South, and beyond.
Title & Description
Cultural Mediator — Jaou Tunis 2026 (8th Edition)
Jaou Tunis is recruiting Cultural Mediators for its 8th edition, running October 23 to November 22, 2026, across multiple venues in Tunis, including B7L9 and sites in the Medina. This edition will also host the Biennale de l'Image en Mouvement (BIM 26) for the first time outside Switzerland, in partnership with the Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève.
The Cultural Mediator guides visitors through the biennale's artworks and programming, creating space for dialogue, exchange, and reflection around contemporary artistic practices while adapting their approach to different audiences. The role sits within Jaou Tunis's stated emphasis this edition on inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming school groups, university students, families, underserved communities, and people with disabilities, and mediators are expected to remain attentive to the specific needs of these diverse audiences throughout the festival.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Freelance / Service Provision / Mission
- Contract Type: Freelance mission contract, tied to the biennale period, with occasional availability required beforehand for training and briefings
- Salary: Not specified in the source
- Reports To: Jaou mediation team
- Department / Programme: Cultural mediation, Jaou Tunis 2026
- Working Hours: Full availability required during the biennale period (October–November 2026), plus mandatory pre-event training sessions
Position & Tasks
- Visitor Welcoming & Guidance
- Welcome and guide visitors across the biennale's various sites
- Present the exhibitions, artworks, and program to the public
- Answer visitor inquiries and enhance their overall experience
- Remain attentive to the specific needs of diverse audiences
- Guided Tours & Mediation Activities
- Prepare and lead guided tours of the exhibitions
- Tailor visits to various audiences: general public, families, schools, students, group tours, etc.
- Participate in encounters with artists, curators, and cultural professionals
- Facilitate discussions and exchanges around the artworks and festival themes
- Assist with workshops and other mediation initiatives offered during the festival
- Content Preparation & Transmission of Information
- Attend training sessions on the featured artworks, artists, exhibitions, and projects
- Master the mediation tools and resources provided by the Jaou team
- Convey complex artistic concepts in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner
- Provide feedback to the mediation team to help refine and improve visitor engagement strategies
- Teamwork & Coordination
- Attend briefings and pre-event training sessions
- Work in close coordination with fellow mediators, volunteers, and festival staff
- Maintain regular communication with the mediation team regarding daily operations and visitor feedback
- Adhere to guidelines regarding artwork safety, exhibition spaces, and public hosting protocols
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Mediation
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Public Programming
- Arts Education
- Accessibility & Inclusion
- Festival Production
Eligibility
- International applicants: not explicitly addressed in the source; role is location-based in Tunis with no stated nationality or residency restriction
- Education in, or passion for, contemporary art, art history, visual arts, cultural mediation, humanities, or related fields
- Prior experience in mediation, cultural programming, visitor services, or the arts and culture sector — stated as a plus, not mandatory
- Familiarity with contemporary art appreciated; genuine curiosity and eagerness to share knowledge described as essential
- Experience working with audiences with specific needs or individuals with disabilities highly valued
- French: fluent (required)
- Arabic: fluent (strongly recommended)
- English: working proficiency, sufficient to interact comfortably with international visitors
- Full availability required during the entire biennale period plus mandatory pre-event training sessions
Program Benefits
- Not specified in the source — no salary, fee, honorarium, or per diem amount is stated for this freelance/mission position
- No mention of accommodation, travel costs, meals, or other in-kind support
- The absence of any stated guaranteed income or compensation figure should be noted explicitly to applicants
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Send application materials by email to: jade@jaou.tn
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
- Biennale Period (engagement dates): October 23 – November 22, 2026
Location
Tunis, Tunisia
Additional Details
- The 8th edition of Jaou Tunis will host the Biennale de l'Image en Mouvement (BIM 26) for the first time outside Switzerland, in partnership with the Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève
- This edition places particular emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, targeting school groups, university students, families, underserved communities, and people with disabilities
- Mediators will work across a multi-site environment spanning several Tunis venues