Organizer Information
Jungkunst is a Swiss association promoting young contemporary art. Since 2006, the organisation has hosted the annual Jungkunst Festival in Winterthur, showcasing emerging visual artists alongside music and cultural programming. Since 2024, exhibitions have taken place in Halle 710, Winterthur Neuhegi, featuring around 20 selected young Swiss artists each year. Jungkunst emphasises community engagement, local partnerships, and creating networking opportunities within Switzerland’s contemporary art scene. The organisation operates with a volunteer-based team (ca. 30 members) and supports emerging artists through mentoring, exhibition space, and public exposure.
Title & Description
Member of the Curatorial Team — Jungkunst Festival 2026
Jungkunst invites applications for a curatorial team member starting early 2026. The role entails selecting artists, curating exhibitions, and providing mentorship and logistical support to artists during the festival. The selected member will join the four-person curatorial team within the wider organising committee (ca. 30 members), contributing to the development of the festival’s contemporary art program. This is an opportunity to actively engage in Switzerland’s young art scene, help shape an exhibition concept, and support artists in presenting their work to the public.
The Role Overview
- Contract Type: Volunteer/Association-based position
- Reporting To: Curatorial Team & Festival Director
- Fee / Compensation: CHF 1,200 flat remuneration
- Programme: Participation in the full curatorial process of the Jungkunst Festival
- Curator / Supervisor: Four-person curatorial team
- Responsibilities include: Artist selection, concept development, mentorship, public tours, and support during the festival
Position & Tasks
- Review applications and select artists (ca. 300–400 applications annually)
- Conduct atelier visits across Switzerland
- Develop exhibition concepts collaboratively with the curatorial team
- Provide mentorship and support to artists during preparation and the festival
- Lead public art tours during the festival
- Collaborate with festival team members to ensure smooth execution of the program
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Curation
- Art Mentorship
- Festival Programming
Eligibility
- Interest and experience in the Swiss art and cultural sector
- Passion for supporting young Swiss artists
- Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently
- Team-oriented, collaborative, and communicative
- Alignment with Jungkunst’s values and mission
- No formal age limit specified; international applicants interested in Swiss contemporary art may be considered if able to work in Switzerland
Program Benefits
- Work with young artists from across Switzerland
- Gain hands-on curatorial experience in a large-scale festival
- Insight into the Swiss contemporary art scene and festival operations
- Collaborative experience in a multidisciplinary organising committee
- Mentoring and networking opportunities within Switzerland’s cultural sector
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae
- Short Statement answering three questions:
- Why do you want to work in curatorial for Jungkunst?
- What is important to you in team collaboration?
- What values drive you, and which societal issues do you engage with?
How to Apply?
Applications should be sent via email to: kuration@jungkunst.ch
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 December 2025
- Position Start: Early 2026
Location
Winterthur Neuhegi, Switzerland
Additional Details
- The role provides a deep insight into festival operations and contemporary Swiss art practices.
- Applicants join a collaborative and dynamic team environment within a volunteer-based association.
- Public engagement, artist mentorship, and curatorial collaboration are central to the role.