Urbane Künste Ruhr initiates contemporary art in public space and connects people across the Ruhr region through exhibition projects. The program has its roots in the European Capital of Culture year RUHR.2010, operates in an interdisciplinary manner, and is organized decentrally. Urbane Künste Ruhr sees itself as an important contribution to the cultural, economic, social, and ecological development of the region. Many projects are realized in collaboration with local, supra-regional, and international partners.

Alongside Ruhrtriennale, Tanzlandschaft Ruhr, and Chorwerk Ruhr, Urbane Künste Ruhr forms the fourth pillar of Kultur Ruhr GmbH, based in Bochum. Its shareholders and public funders are the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Regionalverband Ruhr.

We are seeking an Artistic Director for Urbane Künste Ruhr starting November 1, 2027

As Artistic Director, you will be responsible for the conception and implementation of an artistic program in the field of contemporary urban art. You will shape the program through your personal artistic signature and give it international visibility and recognition, while maintaining the highest artistic standards. A key focus of your work will be networking with cultural institutions and engaging in dialogue with the residents of the Ruhr region.

We are seeking an artistic concept that appeals to a broad audience and demonstrates a strong commitment to mediation and outreach. The goal is to achieve lasting visibility and reception among the public.
The integration of the Emscherkunstweg into your artistic concept is possible but not mandatory. The program may be complemented by the support of emerging artists, for example through residency formats.

A key component of the role is contributing to each edition of the Ruhrtriennale, with reference to its respective venues.
The time frame for artistic activities should extend from May through September of each year, with a geographical focus on the cities of Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg, and Essen. Conceptual variations are possible within this framework.

You are responsible for ensuring that the program is regularly evaluated through appropriate measures.

The Artistic Director works in close coordination with the Managing Director of Kultur Ruhr GmbH, primarily collaborating on-site with the team and maintaining contact with the region’s cultural institutions. An annual project budget of approximately one million euros is allocated, supplemented by the necessary personnel funds. It is expected that these funds will be expanded through the acquisition of third-party funding. In addition, the Artistic Director is supported by a programme advisory board, which is appointed in consultation with the supervisory board.

Your profile includes:
You are an outstanding curator and an experienced leader with extensive expertise in the field of international contemporary art, ideally supported by an academic qualification. You demonstrate a strong ability to communicate complex artistic concepts in a way that is both impactful and accessible. You bring solid practical experience in audience-oriented and inclusive art production and develop concepts that combine high artistic standards with accessibility and openness for a broad audience.

In addition, you have proven experience in the conception and budgeting of large-scale artistic projects. A robust international network completes your profile. Proficiency in German is an advantage but not a requirement.

We offer:
We offer a challenging and diverse role within an inspiring cultural working environment, providing a high degree of creative autonomy alongside an above-standard compensation package. The appointment is for a single term of five years, ending on October 31, 2032. You will be supported by a team of permanent staff members, complemented by project-based positions.

We welcome applications from individuals of all genders and nationalities, regardless of ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.
The selection process consists of multiple stages. We invite applicants to submit a concise yet meaningful concept proposal, with a particular focus on the artistic programme for the first year. The selection committee may, at its discretion, invite suitable candidates to present their concept in person.
We look forward to receiving your application with a detailed proposal. Please send your application exclusively via email (max. 5 MB) by Monday, 8 June 2026 to baumeister@rvr.ruhr. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Maria Baumeister.