Organizer Information
VAN HAM Kunstauktionen GmbH & Co. KG is one of Germany’s leading art auction houses, specializing in modern and contemporary art while also operating internationally in the fields of jewellery and watches, old masters, and decorative arts. Founded in 1959 by Carola van Ham, the auction house is currently managed by the second generation under Markus Eisenbeis.
Based in Cologne and Wesseling, Germany, VAN HAM brings together a team of around 80 professionals working across different areas of the auction business. The organization conducts approximately 14 live auctions and 40 online-only auctions annually, attracting collectors and dealers from around the world.
The Modern, Post War & Contemporary department is one of the company’s strongest divisions in terms of turnover. The department consists of a specialized team of experts responsible for managing artworks from Classical Modernism, post-war art, and contemporary art. The traineeship offers participants the opportunity to gain practical insight into the international art market, auction operations, collection management, and professional art handling.
Title & Description
Traineeship in the Art Department “Modern, Post War & Contemporary” at VAN HAM Kunstauktionen
VAN HAM Kunstauktionen is offering a traineeship opportunity in its Art Department “Modern, Post War & Contemporary” for candidates interested in gaining professional experience within the international auction sector.
The programme provides hands-on exposure to the complete process of managing artworks in an auction environment, from the initial consignment stage through catalogue preparation, exhibition organization, customer communication, and post-auction administration.
Participants will work alongside specialists in modern and contemporary art and gain insight into the professional practices of a leading German auction house. The role combines art historical research, administrative coordination, digital catalogue preparation, photography management, and direct interaction with collectors and clients.
The Role Overview
- Position: Volunteer / Trainee (m/f/d) in the Art Department “Modern, Post War & Contemporary”
- Organisation: VAN HAM Kunstauktionen GmbH & Co. KG
- Department: Modern, Post-War & Contemporary Art
- Location: Cologne, Germany
- Contract Type: Full-time position
- Employment Status: Fixed-term position
- Start Date: Preferably 1 October 2026
- Duration: Until December 2027
- Salary: €2,450 per month plus Christmas and holiday bonuses
- Reporting To: Art Department team / VAN HAM management structure
- Programme Focus: Auction management, art research, collection administration, and contemporary art market operations
Position & Tasks
The trainee will support the daily operations of the Modern, Post War & Contemporary Art Department and participate in various stages of the auction process.
Main responsibilities include:
- Organizing and managing contracts with art consignors.
- Coordinating the administration of artworks from consignment through post-auction procedures.
- Editing and reviewing artwork photographs in cooperation with professional photographers.
- Preparing and checking images for online auction catalogues.
- Supporting catalogue production and conducting independent art historical research.
- Assisting with exhibition preview preparation and artwork presentation.
- Managing telephone bidding during auctions.
- Providing general support and communication with clients and collectors.
- Handling organizational and administrative tasks related to auction objects.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Modern Art
- Post-War Art
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Art Market & Auction Management
- Curatorial Practice
- Collection Management
- Photography (art documentation)
Eligibility
- A degree in art history or a related field of study.
- Previous practical experience in the art trade, galleries, museums, or auction houses is preferred.
- Strong English language skills.
- Knowledge of Italian or French is considered an advantage.
- Confidence using MS Word and digital tools.
- Experience with Photoshop is beneficial.
- Strong organizational skills, teamwork abilities, flexibility, and independent working skills.
- A Class B driving licence is an advantage.
The opportunity is suitable for candidates seeking professional experience in the international art market, particularly those interested in auction houses, contemporary art, and collection management.
Program Benefits
- Monthly salary of €2,450.
- Additional Christmas and holiday bonuses.
- Experience working within one of Germany’s leading auction houses.
- Direct exposure to international collectors, dealers, and art professionals.
- Practical knowledge of auction processes and artwork management.
- Opportunities to develop research, catalogue, administrative, and client communication skills.
- A collaborative working environment with specialized art experts.
- Creative freedom and opportunities to contribute ideas.
- Urban Sports membership or €50 monthly credit through a Givve Card.
- Job ticket support for commuting and travel throughout Germany.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Preferred Start Date: 1 October 2026.
- Programme Duration: Until December 2027.
Location
Cologne, Germany
Additional Details
This traineeship provides an opportunity for emerging art professionals to gain practical experience in the commercial art sector. Unlike purely academic programmes, the role combines art historical knowledge with operational responsibilities in an active auction house environment.
Candidates will work with artworks from modern, post-war, and contemporary periods while developing skills related to provenance research, catalogue preparation, client relations, and auction coordination.
The position is particularly relevant for graduates and early-career professionals who want to understand the professional structure of the international art trade and build experience within a major European auction house.