Short Description:
transmediale e.V. is inviting applications for the Exhibition Curation for transmediale 2027. The
exhibition curator’s central responsibility is the development of the upcoming exhibition as part
of the festival’s programme. Artistic practice is transmediale’s vital centre, reflected across the
festival’s programme in a variety of formats. Building on an evolving exhibition history and
practice that has taken different shapes and scales across Berlin venues and online – from
installations during the festival week to large-scale exhibitions over several weeks on view – the
upcoming edition marks a special milestone: the 40th anniversary of transmediale. The position
invites a person or group with previous curatorial experience to critically engage with topics at
the intersection of art, technology, science, society, and politics, and to contribute to
transmediale’s long history as one of the leading festivals of art and digital culture. While the
exhibition and the festival will be presented alongside one another, they will be curated
independently, each following its own thematic focus while remaining in dialogue. As the 40th
anniversary of transmediale, this edition offers a chance to reflect on the festival’s legacy by
connecting past and present as well as possible futures in media art and theory
transmediale creates a space for critical reflection on art and technology, bringing together
transdisciplinary communities and diverse audiences with an interest in digital cultures. The
annual festival for art and digital culture has gathered international artists, researchers,
activists, and thinkers to develop new outlooks on our technomediated era. transmediale
festival takes place annually at the end of January and builds the core of the organisation’s
programming. Beyond the yearly event, transmediale is a transversal, dynamic platform with a
vibrant community and a strong network that facilitates year-round activities including
publications, events, commissions, and artist residencies.
transmediale calls for exhibition concepts centering on positions in media and net art,
technology, and social critique, grounded in a strong thematic and methodological framework.
The selected curator(s) will be responsible for conceiving and realising an exhibition to be
presented across two halls of the Akademie der Künste in Berlin. The curatorial proposal should
also include ideas for an accompanying mediation and public programme. This may involve
guided tours for diverse audiences, film screenings, panel discussions, activations,
performances, and concerts, both within the exhibition and at other festival venues.
Scope of Work
The position involves conceptualising and curating the exhibition for the 2027 edition of
transmediale, including its theme, artistic works, and a related public programme. In addition to a
strong curatorial vision, we are looking forward to working with someone with social
competence, integrity, and exceptional communication abilities. The person(s) sought for this
role will be working closely with the festival curator(s) (selection in fall 2025) and our festival
team within the infrastructure provided. They will be responsible for the artistic positions in the
exhibition and related programme, represent the festival in the public sphere, and contribute to
transmediale’s local and international networks of partners and stakeholders.
Tasks will include: establishing the exhibition concept, theme, title, and developing a related
programme in dialogue and cooperation with the festival management, executive and advisory
board; selecting participants, projects, and artworks; adhering to budget management policies
for transmediale 2027 and contributing to the acquisition of additional financial resources;
producing related texts and contributing to all tasks related to public relations and fundraising;
cooperating and collaborating with the transmediale team, including participating in selected
meetings and following relevant team workflows and procedures; submitting reports throughout
the process.
Application Requirements:
- Application Form
- Cover Letter (less than 800 words)
- First outline of the exhibition concept, including a (working) title for the exhibition, an initial
articulation of the theme, a first selection of potential artists, an insight into the planned
accompanying programme and mediation activities, and how this will engage with and be
presented to the audience. The submitted concept should be a maximum of 3 pages in
length, with a focus on text and the articulation of the theme and artistic positions involved.
Visual elements such as images of artworks, graphics, or other design components are not
required.
Please download the application form here:
https://data.transmediale.de/assets/uploads/Exhibition-Curation-tm27_applicationform.docx
Additional documents other than the required documents listed above will not be reviewed.
Submission
Submit the completed form via email to: apply@transmediale.de.
Email subject line and attachment must include the applicant’s name(s)
Eligibility:
/ Possess comprehensive knowledge of international contemporary and media art, with the
ability to critically examine topics at the intersection of art, technology, media and science,
society, and politics.
/ Possess a clear curatorial and thematic vision and develop it in exchange with all
stakeholders.
/ Have at least 5 years of experience in developing and curating exhibitions. Additional
successful experience in leading cultural projects or initiatives is advantageous.
/ Candidates should have a pronounced interest in issues that move society and bring with
them a supra-regional network in the art and cultural scenes.
/ Exhibit excellent communication skills, integrity, a collaborative mindset and have the ability
to generate detailed briefings and documentation compatible with the culture of the
organisation.
/ Applicants must be fluent in either English or German with at least a good command of the
English language.
/ Candidates must be aligned with the values of transmediale and its history, uphold respect for
the dignity, safety, and equal treatment of all individuals, and reject sexual harassment and all
forms of discrimination.
Program Benefits or Awards:
Position period: October 2025 until March 2027
Time Commitment: The position requires ca. 35% overall commitment across the whole contract
period, with selected periods of full-time commitment in August/September and
December/January.
Position Type: Freelance
Location: Berlin-based or willingness to relocate for key periods of time, especially in case of
bigger time zone differences.
The position may be filled by an individual or group.
Compensation: 20.000€ net (individual) / 25.000€ net (group)
Entry Fee: none
Location: Germany
Deadline: August 6, 2025
Website link:
http://transmediale.de/en/news/open-call-for-exhibition-curation-2027
