Deadline: October 1, 2025
Position: Artistic Director (full-time, 40h/week)
Term: Fixed 4-year contract
Start date: January 1, 2026 (current AD Tom Engels departs end of December 2025)
Grazer Kunstverein is an internationally recognized institution for contemporary art. Since its founding in 1986, it has developed a distinctive voice within Austria while engaging in active dialogue with international artistic and curatorial practices. Conceived as a site for artistic production, exhibition-making, and mediation, the Kunstverein collaborates with artists from around the world to foster and support compelling artistic practices, while offering audiences sustained engagement with the processes and contexts of contemporary art.
Grazer Kunstverein’s current Artistic Director, Tom Engels, will be leaving at the end of December 2025 to take up the position of Director of Kunstverein München. Grazer Kunstverein is now seeking a new Artistic Director (full-time, 40h/week) for a fixed term of four years, to take office on January 1, 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for the artistic, curatorial, and administrative leadership of the institution, ensuring the continued development of Grazer Kunstverein’s distinctive role as a site for experimentation, dialogue, and the presentation of contemporary art.
Role and responsibilities
- Define and deliver the artistic vision and multi-year programme (incl. the institution’s 40th anniversary season in 2026)
- Commission, curate and produce exhibitions, publications and public programmes
- Build partnerships and a strong network of artists, communities, funders and peer institutions
- Lead and mentor the curatorial team; foster an equitable, collaborative culture
- Assume final responsibility for team management, budgets, fundraising, and reporting, while working closely with the General Manager on implementation
- Advance audience engagement, access and digital initiatives
- Further develop and expand the membership programme as a cornerstone of community engagement
- Represent the institution locally, nationally, and internationally
Profile
- Master’s degree in art history or a related field
- Deep knowledge of international contemporary art and emerging practices; strong professional network
- Proven team leadership and budget responsibility; track record in fundraising/third-party funding
- Excellent communication and mediation skills
- Commitment to collaboration in Graz and the region
- Proficiency in digital strategy and content production
- Willing to relocate to Graz
- German language skills are an asset; willingness to learn is expected
Grazer Kunstverein welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and is committed to fostering diversity and equal opportunity in all its forms. Please submit one PDF including: a CV (max two pages) and motivation letter (max two pages). Email Dr. Tanja Gurke at tg@grazerkunstverein.org by October 1, 2025 with the subject line: Application – Artistic Director – [Your Name]. Interviews will take place in November 2025.
