OPEN CALL: Kunstverein München seeks new Director

After more than five prolific years, Maurin Dietrich’s term as director of Kunstverein München e.V. will end on December 31, 2025. As such, the board of the Kunstverein now has the opportunity to recruit a new director to lead the art institution, starting on January 1, 2026.

Founded in 1823, Kunstverein München is one of the oldest and most established of the more than 300 Kunstvereine in Germany. For more than 200 years, the institution’s public mission has been to support diverse artistic practices by presenting solo and group exhibitions by international artists and to ensure their engagement by a diverse community within the local context. Complementing this core activity, Kunstverein München produces publications and hosts public talks and lectures, performances and screenings, as well as a range of social and educational activities for its 2,200 members. In the recent past, previous directors Helmut Draxler, Dirk Snauwaert, Maria Lind, Stefan Kalmár, Bart van der Heide, and Chris Fitzpatrick have worked with dedicated and energetic teams to present innovative contemporary art, critical curatorial concepts, and a wide range of exhibitions, gaining the Kunstverein considerable national and international recognition. Kunstverein München is supported by Munich’s local arts council, and its role as a key contemporary art institution in the city ranks it alongside major institutions such as the Pinakothek der Moderne, Haus der Kunst, and Lenbachhaus.

Since 2019, Maurin Dietrich has worked with numerous artists, among them Diamond Stingily, Pati Hill, Yalda Afsah, Tony Cokes, and Pippa Garner, to conceive substantial new productions, often traveling to other institutions. Dietrich brought in Gloria Hasnay as curator, who organized major solo exhibitions by Patricia L. Boyd, Bea Schlingelhoff, and Richard Frater, among others. Together, they developed a multi-faceted program for the Kunstverein’s 200th anniversary in 2023. The institution’s profile has also been broadened to include the Archive Space, the Writers Residency and a Production Residency to connect local and international artists, as well as the Summer School to provide a framework for collective knowledge production. In recent years, Kunstverein München has experienced significant growth, attracting more than 1,000 new members.

The director’s primary responsibility is developing the institution’s artistic programming and communication. The position is also responsible (along with the Head of Administration) for the budget and general management of the institution. The director will also be responsible for continuing the development of Kunstverein München’s archive.

The director reports to the board, which is elected every two years by the members of Kunstverein München.

The starting date for the position is January 1, 2026. The appointment is for a negotiable five years.

Director (m/f/d)

Responsibilities
–Devise and lead independently the artistic program, including curating exhibitions, producing new commissions, and other programmatic activities and events; providing an intelligible overall vision and management, and providing a unique international perspective on contemporary art developments
–Plan and manage the budget, expenditure, and general fundraising in collaboration with the Head of Administration and the Treasurer of the board
–Oversee and direct the team (in collaboration with the Head of Administration) to execute the artistic and members’ programming
–Oversee and produce all communications, ranging from press releases, invitations, the website, social media, and all printed or online publications
–Build relations with art communities in Munich, nationally, and abroad, including artists, galleries, art academies, collectors, and external funders to seek and enhance support for the Kunstverein’s programming
–Further investigation and digitalization of the archive of the Kunstverein, as well as the continuous publication of research results
–Host workshops, masterclasses, and curatorial tours with local and international art academies

Requirements
–Experience in curating exhibitions, including artistic production, contracts and loans, shipping, and a pragmatic familiarity with installing exhibitions
–Excellent written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills. Public speaking is required
–Deep knowledge of international developments in contemporary art, and a broad professional network
–Demonstrated ability to work closely and productively with artists within budgetary and time constraints
–Experience in managing budgets and overseeing administration and fundraising for contemporary art programming
–Professional experience in the field of contemporary visual arts
–Devise and attend member-related programming, including international trips with members
–Fluency in English (German fluency or proficiency is a bonus; learning German is compulsory)
–Clear commitment to the statute and the values of Kunstverein München
–Munich is the primary place of work and life

The director position at Kunstverein München is open to international applicants. To apply, please submit an updated Curriculum Vitae and a letter in either English or German describing your interest in the position to Dr. Ruediger Maass, Chairman of the Board (ruediger.maass@kunstverein-muenchen.de) by May 9, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a one-year program proposal, including a budget, that demonstrates a programmatic vision to the board members. Your application will be treated confidentially.

Interviews will take place on June 28, 2025, in Munich. The new director will be announced at the end of October 2025.

For any questions, please contact Dr. Ruediger Maass, Chairman of the Board of Kunstverein München, by email at ruediger.maass@kunstverein-muenchen.de.