We present quarterly curated solo and group exhibitions of invited artists from various disciplines at Q18.
Since 2013, we have been assigning the curatorial concept of Q18 to young, up-and-coming curators to give them the opportunity to develop and position themselves. The period covers one year and includes 4 exhibitions in freelance collaboration.
We are looking for fresh, innovative concepts that are willing to take risks, try out new paths, show utopian solutions for the crises of our time, and think about exhibitions differently and soften/cross boundaries to other disciplines. Therefore, this call is not only aimed at curators of fine arts. Concepts that include digital, music, dance, sound art, etc. are also particularly welcome.
Call for applications
Curatorial series for the year 2026 with four exhibitions
The 4 exhibitions are each funded by the City of Cologne and the Quartier am Hafen (budget on request)
Requirements
Experience with curatorial work
Knowledge of project applications, cost financing plans and accounting
Confident writing skills for documentation and press releases
Teamwork skills
Connection to the Rhineland required
The application should include
CV (max. 1 page Din A 4)
Letter of motivation (max. 1 page Din A 4)
Concept of the exhibition series (max. 2 pages Din A 4)
possibly image documentation of past curatorial activities
Please send your application exclusively by email/digitally to milena@qah.koeln
Application deadline: 06/15/2025
The selecting jury will invite the final applicants to a personal meeting on site in Cologne at the beginning of July. The exact date will be announced. Online discussions are possible in individual cases after consultation.
You are welcome to get to know the Q18 in advance, just send an email to Milena Mana da Costa (milena@qah.koeln). Furthermore, you can get impressions of the exhibitions of the last years here in the archive, as well as find a short description of the past/current curators.
The curator program is funded by Quartier am Hafen and the Cultural Office of the City of Cologne.
