Open call: curator-mediator for the realization of an art commission in public space

WATSUPS

WATSUPS – Water As The Source of Urban Public Space – is a European project in which the city of Mechelen develops the environment around the Dijle and passes on the knowledge to a next city. The project has two main goals: improving biodiversity and better connecting the inhabitants with the river. Specifically, there will be new swimming zones, quay walls and green areas.

Art will also have an important place within this project, in three different locations. For one of which we are writing this open call. It concerns the area around the bridge on the Olivetenvest. This location forms an important connection between the Keerdok, where within this project a swimming zone will be created, and the Dijlestraat. Moreover, it is also a connection between the city center and the neighborhoods just outside the ring road.

About Kunsthal Mechelen

Kunsthal Mechelen is a generous, open house for contemporary art. With no central base of operations extends to various spaces in the city, including the public space.

As a multifaceted art house, Kunsthal Mechelen provides a safe haven for many voices and faces. Changing constellations of artists, curators, thinkers and collectives bring the house to life in a program that is not limited to one fixed artistic framework. In consultation with an advisory board, directions are identified and new and familiar voices: young and experienced, local and international, more or less professional. They are fairly rewarded and supported with attention and care.

Kunsthal Mechelen is open, mobile, mixed. The program is flexible and unfettered to predetermined formats. It is layered and breaks down patterns of expectation. It is polyamorous and idiosyncratic; it moves and transforms with the cadence of a
changing society and arts field. The operation aims to show art that questions, explores and depicts the world in all its complexity. It wants to bring exciting, innovative – and also critical – perspectives on life and society, in dialogue with the city
and its inhabitants.

Your tasks

• You will develop a visual work on the bridge together with an artist, within the objectives and a budget of 200,000 euros (VAT included).
• You will make all the preparations, including the assignment description, studio visits and budget. You will also make a context analysis for the assignment, and if there are any questions you can call on the expertise present in the city of Mechelen.
• You guide the selection rounds from longlist over shortlist to the final choice in consultation with an advisory committee.
• You represent the interests of the artist and seek support from neighbors and stakeholders. You receive support from Kunsthal Mechelen to organize the citizen panels.
• You coordinate the production and integration of this work in the public space in consultation with the City of Mechelen (Kunsthal Mechelen and Watsups) and the Flemish Waterways, the owner of this bridge.
• You will collaborate on records and reporting.

Your profile

• Both individuals and collectives may apply for this project.
• You have at least 5 years of experience as a curator or mediator.
• You have experience with art commissions and/or the production of artworks commissioned by third parties.
• You have a well-founded vision of contemporary visual art and an extensive network within the arts sector.
• You are a smooth networker and communicator, you are a point of contact for partners.
• You are precise, systematic and respect deadlines. You report back to the client on the basis of a predetermined timetable.

Goals of the project

• As part of WATSUPS, the artwork will be part of the Olivetenvest revitalization and help define the identity of the area.
• The artwork translates biodiversity for a wider audience, which is the main goal of WATSUPS. Therefore, the artwork does not disturb ecosystems and is mindful of the impact on the environment and local residents, including non-humans.
• Support for the artwork is created in the environment by organizing citizen panels during development and production.
• The artwork becomes part of the City of Mechelen’s collection and enjoys continued aftercare.
• The work is sustainable and will be passed on to future generations.
• The work is in line with Kunsthal Mechelen’s mission around polyphony and positions itself within the contemporary arts.

Your candidature

We would like to receive your motivation and portfolio no later than September 30, 2024 via kunsthal@mechelen.be. This can be done using up to 5 x A4s or a video. The chosen candidates will be contacted by November 1. In the second round, candidates will be asked to prepare a project proposal and budgeting for which a fair remuneration will be provided according to juistisjuist.be. For additional questions and information, please contact Jessica Meuleman at jessica.meuleman@mechelen.be or Steven Op de Beeck at steven.opdebeeck@mechelen.be.

More information (in Dutch)