(Dears, I am forwarding this call for applications — apply! All the best, Inke)
* * * https://transmediale.de/en/news/open-call-for-festival-curation-2028 Open Call for Festival Curation 2028 Deadline: 30.09.2026 Application deadline: 30 September 2026 23:59 (CET) Contract: December 2026 – March 2028 transmediale e.V. is inviting applications for the Festival Curation for transmediale 2028. The festival curator's central responsibility is the development of the curatorial concept and programme for the next edition of the festival in 2028, with the subsequent possibility of extending the contract for a second edition in 2029. The position invites one or more persons with previous curatorial experience to critically engage with topics at the intersection of art, technology, science, society, and politics, and to contribute to transmediale’s 40 year long history as one of the leading festivals of art and digital culture. Over four decades, transmediale has shaped an ever-evolving network of artists, researchers, and practitioners working at the margins of dominant technological culture, sustaining forms of exchange, knowledge production, and collective imagination towards a different kind of technomediated present. transmediale creates a space for critical reflection on art and technology, bringing together transdisciplinary communities and diverse audiences with an interest in digital cultures. The annual festival for art and digital culture takes place at the end of January and builds the core of the organisation’s programming. Beyond the yearly event, transmediale is a transversal, dynamic platform with a vibrant community and a strong network that facilitates year-round activities including publications, events, commissions, and artist residencies. Since 2025, transmediale invites a new curator for each edition, bringing their own positionality on the present moment in art and technology. Across editions, this plurality of perspectives is what builds the festival's larger direction over time. We're especially interested in curatorial approaches that bring genuinely new questions and reference points to the field, grounded in critical reflection and political engagement rather than following technological trends. The German Federal Cultural Foundation has supported transmediale as a cultural institution of excellence since 2004. On transmediale 2028 When: last week of January 2028 The programme includes a broad spectrum of formats, aligning with transmediale's expected festival structure: a discourse programme including different formats (lectures, panels, conversations, presentations, and talks), a workshop programme, a video and film programme, a performance programme, and art projects presented during the festival days. The festival programme also includes events and projects stemming from both longstanding and new partnerships, reflecting the evolving structure of transmediale. Scope of Work The position involves developing the programme for the 2028 edition of transmediale festival, integrating academic discourse, knowledge exchange, workshops, and artistic projects. In addition to a strong curatorial vision, we are looking forward to working with someone who has social competence, integrity, and exceptional communication abilities. The person or group sought for this role will be working closely with our festival team within the infrastructure provided; they will be responsible for the content of the programme, represent the festival in the public sphere, play an active role in fundraising activities and contribute to transmediale's local and international networks of partners and stakeholders. The tasks will include: establishing the festival concept, theme, and title, and developing an event and programme structure in dialogue and cooperation with the festival management, executive and advisory board; selecting participants, projects, and artworks; producing related texts and contributing to all tasks related to public relations and fundraising; adhering to budget management policies for transmediale 2028 and contributing to the acquisition of additional financial resources; cooperating and collaborating with the transmediale team, including participating in selected meetings and following relevant team workflows and procedures; submitting reports throughout the process. Prerequisites and Requirements / Possess comprehensive knowledge of international contemporary and media art, with the ability to critically examine topics at the intersection of art, technology, media and science, society, and politics. / Possess a clear curatorial and thematic vision and develop it in exchange with all stakeholders. / Have at least 5 years of experience in programme development across multiple formats and demonstrate an experimental approach to curatorial concepts. Successful experience in leading cultural projects or initiatives is advantageous. / Demonstrate solid experience in fundraising for cultural and artistic projects, with the ability to translate curatorial concepts into viable funding strategies for complex and interdisciplinary initiatives. / Candidates should have a pronounced interest in issues that move society and bring with them a supra-regional network in the art and cultural scenes. / Exhibit excellent communication skills, integrity, a collaborative mindset and have the ability to generate detailed briefings and documentation compatible with the culture of the organisation. / Applicants must be fluent in either English or German with at least a good command of the English language. / Candidates must be aligned with the values of transmediale and its history, uphold respect for the dignity, safety, and equal treatment of all individuals, and reject sexual harassment and all forms of discrimination. Conditions of Work Position period: December 2026 until March 2028 Time Commitment: The position requires ca. 70% overall commitment across the whole contract period, with a full-time commitment from October 2027. Position Type: Freelance Location: Berlin-based or willingness to relocate for key periods of time. Relocation to Berlin is required from October/November 2027. The position may be filled by an individual or group. Compensation: 40.000€ net (individual) / 50.000€ net (group) Contract Extension: In summer 2027, transmediale's Advisory and Executive Board will determine whether a contract extension will be considered for the 2029 edition. Submission / Application Form (download HERE) / Cover Letter (less than 700 words) Submissions are only accepted via the submission platform. Additional documents other than the required documents listed above will not be reviewed. For any requests, you can contact us via email to apply[at]transmediale.de ↗ Submission Platform Evaluation Process After the submission deadline, a shortlist of candidates will be selected for interviewing and invited to submit and present a festival concept for transmediale 2028. The presentation of the concept will be followed by questions from the interview panel consisting of transmediale team and board members Nora Al-Badri, Inke Arns, Asia Bazdyrieva, Gabriele Horn, and Jussi Parikka. The interview will be held in English. Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59 (CET) Interview (online for all parties): 30 October 2026 The transmediale team looks forward to working together with the new festival curation to develop the 2028 festival edition. transmediale e.V. https://transmediale.de/en/news/open-call-for-festival-curation-2028 ______________________________________________ SPECTRE list for media culture in Deep Europe Info, archive and help: http://post.in-mind.de/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/spectre
