Organizer Information
The Kunsthaus NRW is an independent, non-profit institution for the promotion of visual artists, run by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Formally known until 2015 as "Kunst aus NRW," it operates as a programme of the "Kunsthaus NRW Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Bildenden Kunst," an institution of the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science. Its collection dates back to 1948, when the state began purchasing works to support artists whose rights had been stripped under the Nazi regime; since the 1960s, its focus has shifted to promoting outstanding young talent from NRW. Since 1976, the institution has been headquartered in the former Reichsabtei (imperial abbey) in Aachen-Kornelimünster, and its holdings have grown to include the Kunsthaus NRW Artothek (since 1948/49), the Landesbüro für Bildende Kunst NRW — the State Office for Fine Arts referenced in this posting — established in 2017, and the research project "Kunst in Landesbesitz," launched in 2023. The organisation has been led as Geschäftsführer since 2015 by Marcel Schumacher. As stated in the posting, the Kunsthaus NRW's purpose is the promotion, presentation, and mediation of visual arts across NRW, with its headquarters in Aachen-Kornelimünster housing the state's collection of promotional purchases and art history alongside exhibitions by young artists from NRW and beyond.
Title & Description
Scientific Assistant, LaB K Programme — Kunsthaus NRW
The Kunsthaus NRW is seeking a research assistant (m/f/d) to join the LaB K – State Office for Fine Arts programme as soon as possible. LaB K functions as a platform for mediation, communication, and advice for visual artists, operating out of a small team at the branch office in Düsseldorf, where the MobiLaB – Mobile Academy, the Qualification Program, and the Art Mentor NRW programme are designed and organised.
The role centers on project management of the Kunstmentorat NRW funding programme, including communication with mentors and mentees and organisation of an excursion and event programme, alongside editorial work across publications, website, and social media, direct advisory contact with artists, administrative support, and serving as assistant and deputy to the head of the LaB K programme.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Part-time (40%, 16 hours per week)
- Contract Type: Limited to 2 years, with option of permanent employment
- Salary: Based on collective agreement pay grade E13 TV-L
- Department / Programme: LaB K – State Office for Fine Arts (Landesbüro für Bildende Kunst NRW)
- Reports To: Head of the LaB K programme (assistant and deputy role)
- Work Location: Primarily Düsseldorf branch office, with travel across NRW
Position & Tasks
- Manage the Kunstmentorat NRW funding programme, including communication with mentors and mentees and organisation of an excursion and event programme
- Carry out editorial work across publications, website, and social media, including related research
- Provide telephone and written information and advice regarding the Kunstmentorat NRW
- Handle administrative activities, including administration of the mentorship programme and obtaining offers from publications
- Serve as assistant and deputy to the head of the LaB K programme
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Arts Administration
- Visual Arts
- Mentorship & Professional Development
- Editorial & Publications
- Cultural Programming
Eligibility
- No nationality or country-of-residence restriction stated in the source
- Completed university studies (Magister/Master) in the humanities (e.g., art, cultural studies) or fine arts
- Professional experience in administrative activities in fine arts, art history, cultural journalism, or management
- Good knowledge of the art scene in North Rhine-Westphalia and current art discourse
- Excellent textual confidence
- Fluent in English, both orally and in writing
- Organisational talent, strategic thinking, ability to work independently
- Confident appearance, high communication skills
- Reliability and loyalty to the institution
- Willingness to travel independently and flexibly within NRW for events
- Preferred but not mandatory: experience editing publications
- Preferred but not mandatory: IT skills, confident use of MS Office products, affinity for digital communication and social media
- Preferred but not mandatory: presence in the NRW art scene
- Severely disabled applicants given preference if equally qualified
Program Benefits
- Salary based on the TV-L collective agreement for federal state employees, pay grade E13
- Central workplace in Düsseldorf
- Further training opportunities
- Option of mobile work in consultation with management
- Support for reconciling professional commitment with family responsibilities
- Cooperative working environment within a small, committed team
- Affiliation with a major institution for artist promotion in NRW
- All other benefits: Not specified in the source
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Send application documents as a coherent PDF (max. 10 MB) to verwaltung@kunsthaus.nrw
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
- Contract Length: Limited to 2 years, with option of permanent employment
Location
Düsseldorf, Germany
Additional Details
- The position is fixed-term for 2 years with a stated option for permanent employment thereafter
- The role requires flexible travel within NRW to accompany excursions and events
- The Kunsthaus NRW frames itself as a modern cultural institution and states it supports employees in balancing professional and family commitments