Manifesta 16 is Seeking a Publications Editor (Freelance)
Deadline: 20 February 2026
Location: Ruhr Area, Germany (preferably based locally; negotiable)
Contract: Freelance
Duration: Mid-March 2026 – July 2026
Working Hours & Fee: Negotiable, depending on candidate
Travel: Occasional travel may be required
Manifesta 16, the European Nomadic Biennial, will take place in the Ruhr Area in 2026. The Marketing, Communications and Publications team is seeking a Freelance Publications Editor to coordinate the production and delivery of key biennial publications in the lead-up to the event.
The publications (in both German and English) will include the biennial catalogue, guidebook, and visitor map.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the editing, commissioning, proofreading, and production processes for Manifesta 16 publications
- Compile and coordinate materials from relevant departments (texts, acknowledgements, logos, etc.)
- Manage the full publication workflow: editing, design, proofreading, marketing, and distribution
- Oversee budgets and liaise with production suppliers
- Organise worldwide and Germany-wide distribution, including internal distribution lists
- Define procurement requirements and coordinate with printers, publishers, distributors, editors, and translators
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the (cultural) publishing sector, ideally within art or architecture publishing
- Excellent written and spoken English and German
- Strong editing and proofreading skills
- Knowledge of distribution models in Germany and internationally
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage complex workflows
- Preferably basic knowledge of graphic design software (InDesign, Adobe, Photoshop)
- Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management
- Detail-oriented, hands-on, and able to work under pressure and deadlines
- Willingness to work outside regular hours if required
