Application deadline: February 25, 2024

Since its founding in 1996, the Berlin Biennale has become one of the most important international forums for contemporary art. The Berlin Biennale takes place every two years at varying locations in Berlin—one of Europe’s most progressive cultural capitals—and is defined by the unique concepts of its changing curators. The Berlin Biennale enables the curators responsible to create space for experimental formats and progressive curatorial and artistic practices. As the only Biennale of its kind in Germany, it brings together influential and topical positions of artists, theorists, and practitioners in exhibitions and accompanying programs with each edition and enables them to enter into a dialogue with the city of Berlin and its inhabitants. Through its political profile, the Berlin Biennale, now with twelve editions, is synonymous with engaged art that addresses the pressing issues of the present.

The Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art is organized by KUNST-WERKE BERLIN e. V., the support organization of the Berlin Biennale and KW Institute for Contemporary Art. Since 2004, the Berlin Biennale has been supported by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes (German Federal Cultural Foundation) as one of Germany’s “top cultural institutions.” This long-standing partnership will continue for the 13th, 14th, and 15th editions as the main funding body.

The position of director (m/f/d) will be filled by July 1, 2024.

The Berlin Biennale seeks an experienced, resilient, and self-confident leader who represents the institution externally and ensures the further development and future viability of the Biennale with a compelling vision.

Applicants should have far-reaching, well-developed networks as well as extensive knowledge in the field of contemporary art. They will have a proven track record of managing national and international exhibition projects with numerous artists, commissioning artworks, and implementing educational programs.

Applicants must have relevant experience in managing an arts and cultural institution and managing employees to promote a flexible, high-performance, innovative, sustainable, and supportive working culture. Outstanding communication skills, the ability to negotiate, diplomacy, and conflict resolution are essential, as is the ability to think, plan, and act with foresight.

The applicant’s profile includes sound knowledge of fundraising at regional, national, and international levels, including several years of practical experience in acquiring and handling public funding, sponsorship, cooperation, and donations.

Applicants must also have excellent communication skills in German and English, including speaking in public, representing the content and interests of the respective edition of the Berlin Biennale, and acting as its ambassador.

Application
The comprehensive application documents are available on the Berlin Biennale website. Please email your application and any queries regarding the application process to Christoph Burger at [email protected]. The application period ends on February 25, 2024.

The Berlin Biennale is organized by KUNST-WERKE BERLIN e. V. The Berlin Biennale is funded by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes (German Federal Cultural Foundation). The Kulturstiftung des Bundes is funded by the Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien (Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media).