Organisation: Jaou Tunis
Location: Multiple venues across Tunis, Tunisia, including B7L9 and the Medina
Contract: Freelance / service provision
Period: October–November 2026
Biennale dates: 23 October–22 November 2026
Application deadline: 10 September 2026
Languages: Fluent French, fluent Arabic strongly recommended and working proficiency in English
Availability: Full availability during the Biennale and mandatory participation in advance training
About the Opportunity
Jaou Tunis is seeking Cultural Mediators for its eighth edition, taking place across several venues in Tunis from 23 October to 22 November 2026.
The Biennale will present a multidisciplinary programme of exhibitions, performances, film screenings, concerts, talks and public programmes. This edition will also host the Biennale de l’Image en Mouvement 2026, presented outside Switzerland for the first time in partnership with the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève.
Jaou Tunis 2026 places a strong emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. Its audiences will include school groups, university students, families, underserved communities and people with disabilities.
Cultural Mediators will play a central role in connecting artworks and artists with these diverse audiences through accessible and appropriately tailored forms of engagement.
Main Role
Cultural Mediators will guide visitors through the artworks and programme of Jaou Tunis.
They will create opportunities for dialogue, exchange and reflection around contemporary artistic practices, adapting their approach to the needs, interests and backgrounds of different audiences.
Visitor Welcome and Guidance
Responsibilities include:
- Welcoming and guiding visitors across the Biennale’s different venues.
- Introducing exhibitions, artworks and programme activities.
- Responding to questions and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
- Remaining attentive to the specific requirements of different audiences.
Guided Tours and Mediation
Cultural Mediators will:
- Prepare and lead guided exhibition tours.
- Adapt visits for the general public, families, schools, students and organised groups.
- Participate in encounters with artists, curators and cultural professionals.
- Facilitate conversations around artworks and Biennale themes.
- Assist with workshops and other mediation activities offered during the festival.
Content and Training
The role includes:
- Attending training sessions covering the featured artworks, artists, exhibitions and projects.
- Learning to use mediation resources provided by the Jaou Tunis team.
- Communicating complex artistic ideas clearly, accessibly and engagingly.
- Sharing feedback with the mediation team to help improve audience-engagement strategies.
Teamwork and Coordination
Cultural Mediators will:
- Attend briefings and mandatory pre-event training.
- Work closely with other mediators, volunteers and festival staff.
- Maintain regular communication about daily operations and visitor feedback.
- Follow protocols concerning artwork safety, exhibition spaces and welcoming the public.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have an education in, or a passion for:
- Contemporary art.
- Art history.
- Visual arts.
- Cultural mediation.
- Humanities.
- A related area.
Previous experience in mediation, cultural programming, visitor services or the arts and cultural sector would be advantageous.
Familiarity with contemporary art is appreciated, but curiosity and an eagerness to share knowledge are essential. Experience working with people with disabilities or audiences with specific access requirements is particularly valued.
Skills and Qualities
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent interpersonal and public-speaking skills.
- The ability to adapt to different audiences and situations.
- A pedagogical approach, active listening and strong communication.
- Curiosity about contemporary artistic practices.
- Energy, punctuality and responsibility.
- The ability to collaborate across multiple venues.
- Autonomy and problem-solving skills.
Language Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Fluent French.
- Fluent Arabic, strongly recommended.
- Working proficiency in English, with the ability to communicate comfortably with international visitors.
Availability
Cultural Mediators must be fully available during the Biennale period in October and November 2026.
Occasional availability will also be required before the Biennale. Participation in all designated training sessions and briefings is mandatory.
Application Materials
Applicants should provide:
- A curriculum vitae.
- A brief statement outlining their interest in cultural mediation and motivation to join the Jaou Tunis 2026 team.
