Artistic Director (30%)

DOCK is a hybrid entity, functioning both as a service-oriented, sustainably built research center and an experimental off-space. Situated between a display window and a meeting point, DOCK builds bridges between artistic practice and questions of coexistence, democracy, and art criticism. In addition to changing exhibitions, discourse, and educational formats, DOCK comprises an archive representing around 300 contemporary Basel-based artists. This includes an art lending library, an online database, and a physical artists’ archive.

The Artistic Director position offers insights into the operations of a contemporary art space and the curatorial work of an off-space. The role enables direct contact with local art and cultural practitioners, involvement in art education, and the opportunity to gain experience in shaping an artistic program. The Artistic Director is supported by an Administrative Director, who handles fundraising, reports, and accounting tasks and is always available to provide supportive assistance. Furthermore, the Artistic Director oversees a team of two staff members who manage the DOCK archive, media relations, and the DOCK lending library, as well as provide curatorial assistance.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Research, curation, planning, and implementation of the artistic program
• Administrative and operational tasks in day-to-day business/office operations
• Writing texts for the website and concept texts for dossiers
• Supervising artists; giving speeches/presentations at openings and assisting with the preparation and follow-up for exhibitions and projects
• Supervision and guidance of a two-person team; acting as the interface to the board of directors and the association
• Accompanying a transformation process in the area of diversity

What you (ideally) bring:

• You are at the beginning of your professional career (approximately within 5 years of graduation/first professional experiences)
• You have a completed degree in art or art education (or related fields) and initial practical experience in exhibition organization and conception
• A strong interest in visual contemporary art and the Basel art scene
• Visions for multi-year curatorial concepts
• An interest in diversity topics and a willingness to learn about them collectively
• Strong communication skills in German and English, as well as enjoyment and talent in writing texts
• High flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations in the daily work of a non-profit association
• An independent, open, and communicative manner
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe programs (e.g., InDesign)
• Place of residence in Basel and the surrounding region

Workload and Formal Aspects:

• 30% – workdays are Wed, Thu, Fri with presence required on at least two afternoons between 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM (schedule to be agreed upon)
• Willingness to supervise evening and weekend events
• Start with training period in February 2026
• Place of work is Basel (Kleinbasel)
• Contract is fixed-term for 3 years, with the possibility of extension
• The monthly salary is 1,800 CHF

Are you interested?

Please send us the documents listed below via the following link by the deadline of November 10, 2025: Application Form

_A concept sketch for a curatorial program you would like to implement at DOCK over the next 3 years and why:

__The goal is to learn about your interests and visions; the text will not be evaluated based on real-world feasibility and implementation.

__The following questions can serve as a guide:

• What themes are currently engaging you and why?
• How did you come across these themes?
• What do you currently find lacking in the art scene and how can DOCK counter this?
• Who is included in your program? What kinds of artistic formats (workshops, exhibitions, etc.) are you considering?

_For the second round of the selection process, we will additionally require your CV and, if available, an artistic portfolio.

Important Note:
The first part of the application selection will be conducted anonymously. Therefore, please do not include any information in the concept proposal that would allow conclusions to be drawn about your identity or professional experience, such as name, age, gender, or references to previously realized projects and employment.

Process:

• The application interviews will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 3. Please keep this date available.

• In case of an invitation to a personal interview, you will be contacted by us by November 21. All other applicants will receive a rejection by that date.

Unsure if you meet all the necessary experience or if your competencies fit the role? Or does the workplace and work environment need to meet specific requirements for you to even apply and work here?
Send us an email or give me a quick call, and we can discuss your questions.

Contact for inquiries:

Catherin Schöberl, Director DOCK
info@dock-basel.ch or 061 556 40 66 (Wed, Thu, and Fri from 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

We look forward to getting to know you!

October 10, 2025