GUIDELINES
GUIDELINES
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Background
Kunstverein Projects CLG was established as a non-profit arts organisation in 2025, with a mission to support the development of artists and independent creative producers in the visual arts in Ireland. Kunstverein’s Creative Producer Programme will establish a new network of six highly trained creative producers active in the visual arts. We are recruiting participants via an Open Call process. Our vision is that Ireland’s capacity to produce contemporary visual art meets and elevates the exceptional potential of its artists.
Context
We recognise that in order for the Visual Arts to evolve, artists and institutions need more Creative Producers and Independent Curators to support artists, bridge gaps between practice and presentation, and build production capacity in synergy with existing frameworks and infrastructure.
What is a Creative Producer?
We understand the role of Creative Producer as a confluence of the conventional roles of the visual arts curator, film or theatre producer, and exhibition production manager. The role encompasses curatorial practice, artistic support, creative input, critical thinking, strategic and financial planning, stakeholder liaison and collaboration, project management, technical production, audience development and more.
What is a Kunstverein?
Kunstverein Aughrim is the curatorial model and methodology upon which the Creative Producer Programme is based. In an Irish context we can understand a kunstverein to be a curatorial production office, the framework of which is adapted from the European model of a Kunstverein (members based regional arts organisation). The Irish model as pioneered by Kunstverein Aughrim supports artist development through prioritising the relationship between artist and producer. Kunstverein Aughrim accompanies the practice of a small number of artists annually, in a curatorial capacity, across multiple projects. Kunstverein Aughrim shares insights into artistic processes with audiences through a public programme of events, workshops, collaborations and exhibitions. For more please see the ABOUT section of our website.
Who can apply for the Creative Producer Programme?
Applications are invited from individuals with a practice as a creative producer or freelance curator, active in the field of visual arts in Ireland. You can be at any stage of your practice, from emerging to established. You must be registered or willing to register as a sole trader. Kunstverein Projects is committed to access as an ongoing practice. We value diversity of lived experience and welcome all applications regardless of gender, sexual orientation, civic or family status, religion, race, age, disability, or socio-economic background. We actively encourage applications from practitioners from members of communities that are underrepresented in the Irish art landscape, including but not limited to those from queer, Black, Global Majority, Traveller, Roma, d/Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled communities. If you have any questions about your eligibility, require assistance with your application, or are experiencing barriers to accessing the information you require, please get in touch by sending us an email or giving us a call.
How to apply
Candidates are encouraged to apply using the Application Form. Alternative methods of application are also accepted, such as video or audio recording. Please get in touch with our team at office@kunstverein.ie or on 089 9418765 should you wish to discuss further.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be assessed by an international jury. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. A total of six applicants will be invited to participate in the programme.
Applications will be assessed under the following Criteria
- The distinct approach to curatorial practice as reflected in your Bio/Statement
- The track record, professional experience, education or research experience, affiliations and field of practice as demonstrated by the CV
- The originality, ambition, and potential as demonstrated throughout the application
- The level of understanding of the potential of the role of creative producers/curators in supporting artists as part of the wider arts ecology in the field of the visual arts
- The quality of selected previous projects as demonstrated in supporting material
- The overall contribution to the ecology of the visual arts as reflected in the quality of presentation, mediation, and public engagement
- The commitment to artist development and capacity for collaboration with multiple stakeholders and publics
- The potential to develop a Kunstverein type programme/framework in the context of your own curatorial interests and practice
Strong applications will clearly articulate
- an interest in developing the role of Creative Producers / Independent Curators within the context of the Visual Arts in Ireland
- willingness to engage with training, peer learning and collaborative projects as a participant of the Creative Producer Programme
- willingness to evaluate, reflect upon, write about and contribute to the curatorial pedagogy of the programme as it evolves
- A desire to develop, establish, and sustain an independent curatorial practice as part of Kunstverein Projects’ network of Creative Producers
- The vision and ambition to support artists and publics across multiple projects and partnerships, and contribute to the development of support structures in the service of artists and the development of the visual arts
Participation Requirements
A requirement of participation in the programme is to attend ten training days, five development days, an international trip in June 2026, and to undertake a practice-based placement. A schedule of dates will be shared with successful applicants at the start of the programme.
Still have Questions?
An online information clinic will be held on Thursday 12 June 2025 at 12pm by Kunstverein Projects team Kate Strain and Michelle Darmody. The session is free to attend and will take place on Zoom. Register here for the Online Information Clinic.
Related links:
Open Call ︎︎︎
Application Form ︎︎︎
(Photo at top by Finn Richards)
Kunstverein’s Creative Producer Programme is supported by the Arts Council through the Creative Production Supports scheme.
