Organizer Information
The Kölnischer Kunstverein was founded in 1839 and is one of the oldest institutions for contemporary art in the Rhineland. It was founded on 2 April 1839 by prominent Cologne citizens, with Eberhard von Groote as its first president. Artists who exhibited there, including Max Ernst and Hans Arp in 1919 and Paul Klee in 1932, have since become established figures in art history. The 1970 exhibition Happening and Fluxus, curated by Harald Szeemann, is among its best-known presentations. It is a non-profit association dedicated to young contemporary art, which also offers works for purchase, for example as annual gifts.
According to the posting, the Kunstverein continues to show artists in thematic and monographic exhibitions. It is based at Hahnenstraße 6 in Cologne, in the building known as Die Brücke.
Title & Description
Exhibition Organization / Curatorial Assistant (m/w/d) – Parental Leave Cover
The Kölnischer Kunstverein is seeking an Exhibition Organization / Curatorial Assistant on a full-time, fixed-term basis to cover a parental leave absence. The position starts on 1 December 2026 and is expected to run until the end of October 2027, for the duration of the incumbent's absence.
The role works closely with the Director and the team. It accompanies exhibitions from early planning through the opening and beyond. It includes exchange with artists, organising transports, coordinating installation and dismantling, and making sure loans, insurance, and documentation are handled reliably.
Beyond exhibition organisation, the position covers exhibition technology, press and public relations, and digital communication. It also covers the organisation and technical support of events and accompanying programmes, and the production of editions and annual gifts.
The institution is looking for a committed, art-interested person with an interest in contemporary art, practical exhibition experience, organisational skills, and strong communication abilities.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time
- Contract Type: Fixed-term parental leave replacement (Elternzeitvertretung), expected to end in October 2027
- Department / Programme: Exhibition Organization / Curatorial Assistance
- Working Hours: 38.5 hours per week; daily schedule not specified in the source
- Start Date: 1 December 2026
- Contract End: Expected end of October 2027, tied to the incumbent's absence
Position & Tasks
- Exhibitions
- Work closely with the Director and the team
- Accompany exhibitions from early planning through the opening and beyond
- Stay in exchange with artists
- Organise transports
- Coordinate installation and dismantling
- Ensure that loans, insurance, and documentation are handled reliably
- Additional Responsibilities
- Take on varied tasks related to exhibition technology
- Handle press and public relations work
- Handle digital communication
- Maintain the website and social media channels, newsletters, and press materials
- Organise and provide technical support for events and accompanying programmes
- Produce editions and annual gifts (Jahresgaben)
Categories
- Exhibition Organization
- Curatorial Assistance
- Contemporary Art
- Arts Administration
- Exhibition Production
- Press & Public Relations
- Digital Communication
- Event Coordination
- Art Editions
Eligibility
- Interest in contemporary art and enjoyment of working with artists
- Practical experience in organising exhibitions, ideally in art institutions such as art associations (Kunstvereine), museums, or galleries (institutional setting is preferred, not mandatory)
- Organisational talent, own initiative, and an exact, structured way of working
- Strong communication skills
- Confident use of digital media and common office applications
- Very good German and good English, spoken and written
- Willingness to help out flexibly at exhibitions and events
Program Benefits
- Varied work with numerous insights into curatorial, organisational, and communicative work processes
- A committed team
- The opportunity to help shape exhibitions and events
- Salary, insurance, pension, vacation, and other contractual benefits: Not specified in the source
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Email: bewerbung@koelnischerkunstverein.de (subject line not specified in the source)
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Start Date: 1 December 2026
- Expected Contract End: End of October 2027
Location
Cologne, Germany
Additional Details
- Application materials: a cover letter stating motivation and a CV, combined in one PDF of at most 5 MB
- Questions about the position: Anna Heldmann, anna.heldmann@koelnischerkunstverein.de or 0221 217021, available until 4 September
- The position covers the absence of the current post-holder on parental leave, and the end date is given as expected ("voraussichtlich")
- The posting is written in German and lists very good German as a requirement
- Institutional contact: Hahnenstraße 6, 50667 Köln; telephone +49 (221) 21 70 21; info@koelnischerkunstverein.de