Exhibition Organisation and Curatorial Assistant
Kölnischer Kunstverein
Location: Cologne, Germany
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term parental leave cover
Hours: 38.5 hours per week
Contract period: 1 December 2026–approximately 31 October 2027
Salary: Not specified
Application deadline: 1 October 2026
This listing has been translated from German. Very good German-language proficiency is required.
Kölnischer Kunstverein is seeking an engaged and art-focused Exhibition Organisation and Curatorial Assistant to provide parental leave cover from 1 December 2026 until approximately the end of October 2027.
Working closely with the Director and wider team, the successful candidate will support exhibitions from their early planning stages through opening and beyond.
Responsibilities
The Exhibition Organisation and Curatorial Assistant will:
- Communicate with participating artists;
- Organise the transportation of artworks;
- Coordinate exhibition installation and de-installation;
- Ensure that loans, insurance arrangements and documentation are administered reliably;
- Support exhibition technical requirements;
- Contribute to press and public relations activities;
- Manage digital communications;
- Maintain the organisation’s website and social media channels;
- Produce newsletters and press materials;
- Organise events and accompanying programmes;
- Provide technical support during events; and
- Assist with the production of editions and annual artist editions.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A strong interest in contemporary art and enthusiasm for working with artists;
- Practical experience organising exhibitions, ideally within an art institution such as a Kunstverein, museum or gallery;
- Strong organisational skills;
- Initiative and a precise, structured approach to work;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Confidence using digital media and standard office software;
- Very good written and spoken German;
- Good written and spoken English; and
- The flexibility and willingness to contribute practically during exhibitions and events.
What Is Offered
Kölnischer Kunstverein offers:
- A varied role providing insight into curatorial, organisational and communications processes;
- The opportunity to help shape exhibitions and events; and
- A committed and collaborative team.
About Kölnischer Kunstverein
Founded in 1839, Kölnischer Kunstverein is one of the oldest institutions dedicated to contemporary art in the Rhineland.
Many artists exhibited by the organisation have gone on to become established figures in art history. The Kunstverein also regularly presents emerging artists through thematic and monographic exhibitions, reflecting evolving perspectives in contemporary art.