Institution: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) – Berliner Künstlerprogramm (BKP)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Salary: EG 13 TVöD (approx. €60,000 – €70,000 gross per year)
Contract: Fixed-term (2 years, with extension option)
Working time: 39 hours/week (full-time)
Start date: 1 August 2026
Deadline: 17 May 2026
The Berliner Künstlerprogramm (BKP) of the DAAD is one of the most prestigious international residency programmes for artists working in visual arts, music and sound, film, and literature. It awards around 20 fellowships annually to international artists for a usually one-year stay in Berlin and plays a key role in the global visibility of contemporary art practices.
The Head of Visual Arts (Spartenleitung Bildende Künste) is responsible for the strategic, conceptual, and curatorial development of the visual arts programme within the BKP. The role combines curatorial leadership, institutional representation, programme development, publishing, and international collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Visual Arts programme of the Berliner Künstlerprogramm
- Conceptualise and realise exhibitions and art projects for fellows and alumni
- Contribute to overall programme planning of BKP and daadgalerie
- Develop interdisciplinary formats and new curatorial approaches
- Participate in selection processes and jury coordination
- Commission and edit publications and scholarly texts
- Oversee editorial content across print and digital platforms
- Manage and develop the daadgalerie website and communications
- Lead public programming (talks, symposiums, artist conversations)
- Represent BKP nationally and internationally
- Build partnerships with institutions worldwide
- Manage budget planning, financial control, and funding acquisition
- Support archival digitisation and strategic development
Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Art History, Cultural Studies, or related field
- Professional experience as curator in international contemporary art contexts
- Experience in teaching at academies or universities (desirable)
- Knowledge of cultural management and marketing
- Experience in project management
- Experience in fundraising and sponsorship acquisition
- Strong knowledge of funding structures and grant systems
- Excellent German and English (C1 level)
- High intercultural competence and communication skills
- Strong organisational and leadership abilities
- Confident public presence and negotiation skills
About the Institution
The DAAD Berliner Künstlerprogramm is internationally recognised as one of the leading residency programmes for contemporary artists. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the State of Berlin, it fosters international exchange and supports artistic production and discourse across disciplines.
Note: This call has been translated from German. Proficiency in German is likely essential; please contact the employer if unsure.
