Call for curator architectural lecture series

OPEN CALL FOR CURATOR AUDITORIUM 19/20 – lecture series architecture, urbanism and design 

For the new edition of the AUDITORIUM lecture series, Stad en Architectuur vzw is looking for curators who can create a programme centered on this edition’s topic “OUTSIDE”. AUDITORIUM 20/21 will run from October 2020 to April 2021 in the STUK Arts Centre. Stad en Architectuur vzw is inviting interested candidate curators to apply. 

Auditorium 20/21 

Stad en Architectuur vzw has been organising the AUDITORIUM lecture series since 2001 in cooperation with the STUK Arts Centre and the department of Architecture of K.U. Leuven. This series has been bringing together a wide range of experience and expertise and centres around a common theme. International design and architecture firms present through their own projects answers to major social and cultural challenges facing the world, and in particular Flanders as well. 

The series will feature a mix of renowned designers and up-and-coming architectural talents on the verge of their international breakthrough. Some of the renowned speakers who have been featured at AUDITORIUM are Kengo Kuma, Patrik Schumacher, Lacaton & Vassal, Sou Fujimoto, MVRDV, West 8, Diener & Diener, Snohetta, Alvaro Siza, Charles Jenks, OMA (Rem Koolhaas) and many others. Programmes of previous editions. 

The lectures are accessible to all: not just a professional audience of architects, urban planners and related professions attend this series. All those who have a cultural interest in architecture are returning visitors of the lectures. 

The central theme “OUTSIDE” 

The aim of the AUDITORIUM lecture series is to draw attention to new trends and developments in the field of architecture by presenting a general, diverse picture of today’s architectural culture. At the same time AUDITORIUM has had a thematic approach since 2011 which provides a specific profile to the lecture series as a whole. 

With the current 19/20 edition focusing on “HOME”, our next AUDITORIUM 20/21 will take a step outside. The next AUDITORIUM lecture series will be centered on the theme “OUTSIDE”. While life seems to take place on the inside of our homes, as much of our everyday lives itself is happening on the outside. There is no inside without outside. The buildings where we live, work and pass by every day are grounded and founded in the outside world. This fundamental spatial character of architecture makes that it cannot be seen as something secluded. 

The “outside” is part of a broad social debate. In an overcrowded world, which is becoming more and more urbanized, we are facing many challenges that require a drastic shift in how we deal with the outdoor space. How do architecture, landscape and urban design deal with the concept of “outside”? The outside that is built, the outside that is untouched.
The outside as a private place, the outside as a public space, the outside as a landscape. 

Where are the confinements between insides and outsides?
What responsibility does architecture bear towards the outside?
What is the significance of the outside in an urbanized landscape?
What does it mean when looking at architecture from the outside, as an outsider?
What’s on the outside? 

The theme ‘OUTSIDE’ is merely a trigger for the curator to start working with concepts on architecture in relationship with the outside, which he translates into a relevant, coherent list of speakers. The theme for this lecture series functions as a connection in an international context and leaves ample space for variation. Guest speakers not only show experimental design, but also tangible results through completed projects. 

What part does the curator play?

The curator develops and organizes a lecture series of six lectures in total in the STUK Arts Centre in consultation with Stad en Architectuur. 

The assignment consists of: 

–   creating a shortlist of potential speakers
–   create a coherent programme based on the theme ‘OUTSIDE’ and the shortlist of speakers
–   writing promotional texts
–   contacting the speakers
–   making agreements with the speakers about the dates, the content and the fee of the lectures
–   during the lecture-events: hosting the speaker, welcoming and introducing the speakers for the audience, conducting Q&A or discussion after the lecture 

Who can apply? 

Stad en Architectuur would like to invite anyone who 

• has a detailed knowledge of current international developments in contemporary architecture 
• is available to organise the entire project and can take part in any and all meetings concerning the  project. 

Stad en Architectuur is inviting candidates to apply with a full proposal of lecture series by shortlisting a number of design agencies and motivating that shortlist. 

The submissions are required to follow the following set of conditions: 

• The proposal treats a double list (an A and B-list) of 8 (6 + 2 backups) international and national speakers 
• The A and B-list are tantamount: a balanced mix of renowned and upcoming practices. 
• The proposal motivates the relevance of every single speaker to the central theme (in English or Dutch) 
• The proposed lecture series provides a platform for a multitude of disciplines ( architecture, urban 
• planning, landscape architecture, design, art) 
• Candidates introduce themselves on the basis of a brief resumé (in English or Dutch) 

Planning 

• Candidacy until Sunday April 5, 2020. 
• Scheduling: creating a longlist, booking speakers and writing of promotional materials between April  and the end of June, 2020. 
• Execution: making practical arrangements, welcoming and introducing all speakers, and organising  debriefings between October 2020 and May 2021. 

How can I apply? 

Anyone can apply with a shortlist and motivation before Sunday April 5, 2020. We will provide the curator with a fee of €5,800 to curate the entire project (the budget for fees and travel expenses for lectors of the programme is not included). 

Interested parties can send their application to Fleur De Keyser, Rijschoolstraat 4, 3000 Leuven, Belgium or  fleur.dekeyser@stadenarchitectuur.be
Any questions? Do not hesitate to e-mail or call us at +32 16 222 239. 

About Stad en Architectuur 

Stad en Architectuur vzw is an association based in Leuven that promotes Belgian architecture by means of debates, talks and exhibitions. For the realisation of their programme, Stad en Architectuur collaborates with different art- and cultural institutions, locally, nationally and internationally. STUK arts centre in Leuven is a structural partner for the Auditorium lecture series. Stad en Architectuur makes it possible to see, experience and discuss a stimulating architectural scene. In this way it inspires a broad audience and thus creates the greatest possible public involvement. (www.stadenarchitectuur.be).