Curatorial position at Alte Fabrik — 16-month job for curators in Switzerland

Contemporary art curators who wish to develop their own exhibition concept and realise a series of projects within an institutional setting can apply for the KURATOR*IN programme in Switzerland.
This is a paid curatorial position with 50% employment, designed to last 16 months — from August 2027 to November 2028.
During this time, the selected participant will develop and implement a series of exhibitions and a public programme, working in a professional cultural institution.
The programme takes place at the Alte Fabrik cultural centre in Rapperswil-Jona. The
selected participant will receive a workspace, a budget for the implementation of the project, institutional support and the opportunity to present their curatorial theme to a wide audience, while developing their own research and curatorial practice.

Programme format
Although the organisers describe the initiative as a scholarship, in practice it functions as a paid curatorial position with a 50% employment contract.
Participants become part of the cultural centre’s team and work on their own curatorial concept, while receiving institutional support, workspace and resources to implement their project.
The programme combines research work, curatorial practice and public activities, allowing participants to develop their own theme and test it in a real exhibition context.

What the programme includes
During the programme, the selected curator develops and implements a series of four contemporary art exhibitions united by a common theme. The project is accompanied by a public programme, which may include lectures, discussions, performances and meetings with artists.
The curator also participates in audience engagement, the development of educational formats for different age groups and the communication of the exhibition project. The tasks include working with the media and online platforms, developing professional contacts and seeking partnerships, as well as preparing a publication based on the results of the programme.
One of the exhibitions should be realised with the participation of artists from the region, and another in collaboration with Kunst(Zeug)Haus, one of the partner art institutions.

Terms and conditions
The organisers offer a 50% paid position, a workspace and exhibition space at Alte Fabrik, as well as a budget required for the implementation of the project.
The programme also includes professional curatorial support, support from the cultural centre team and additional benefits, including expense reimbursement, a Swiss rail pass
(SBB Generalabonnement) and ICOM membership.
The first few months of the programme are devoted to researching the theme and developing the curatorial concept, after which the preparation and implementation of the exhibition programme begins.

Requirements for applicants
Curators with experience in organising contemporary art exhibitions are invited to apply.
Candidates must have a university degree in art history, curatorial practice or related disciplines, as well as a command of German at least at B2 level, as working communication and the preparation of texts for exhibitions are conducted in German.
The application must include a letter of motivation, CV, concept for the exhibition series and portfolio of completed projects.

Selection process
The selection process consists of two stages. In the first stage, candidates submit an application with a brief description of their exhibition project concept and ideas for a series of four exhibitions.
Candidates who pass the first stage are invited to the second round, where they present their curatorial concept in detail and discuss it with a professional jury.

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 May 2026.