traineeship

About the job

(A)WAKE develops programs by and for people connected to the WANA* (West Asia and North Africa) region. Rooted in multidisciplinary art, electronic music, and transnational support, these programs create spaces to share and explore strategies for navigating complex socio-political realities.

Every two years, we present our biennial New Radicalisms, a four-day gathering. Alongside this, we run Heritage Studios, an artistic development program focusing on cultural heritage and electronic music, and Jossour a cross-national exchange initiative.

Since last year, we’ve also opened a new public space: moezeum with a supporting moezeumcafe. It our cultural place at the intersection of power, politics, and humor. Here we curate two exhibitions annually, alongside a public program of talks, performances and workshops.

Details

• Schedule:*3 days a week (Thursdays and Fridays in the office, one day remote)

• Location:Rotterdam

• Compensation: €300 - €500 depending on experience

• Contributions to travel costs negotiable

Communication Traineeship: desired profile & learning aims

We are looking for someone with an interest in communication within the cultural field, who is motivated to develop their skills through practice. You don’t need to have all the experience yet, but you should be open to learning and exploring the following:

• Someone with strong writing skills with the ability to clearly articulate socio-political subjects from an artistic angle without losing nuance.

• An interest in understanding different audiences, with different interest, values, perspectives, histories, relationships with a desire to reach them beyond stereotypes through clever and sincere communication approaches.

• A willingness to support artist handling: preparing briefings, assisting in communication with artists, and adapting or rewriting bios and texts.

• A curiosity for delving into complex topics and translating them into content suitable for various platforms and people.

• Supporting in documentation and archiving of events and exhibitions.

• Basic design skills or a readiness to assist designers with visual materials for daily communications.

• Comfortable working independently, while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

We welcome applications from candidates who see this traineeship as an opportunity to gain experience, reflect critically, being part of something bigger, and desire to grow in the role.

Desired Profile & Learning Goals — Production Traineeship

We are looking for someone with an interest in production within the cultural field, who is excited to be part of and contribute to our programs. You don’t need to master everything yet, but we expect an openness to learn and engage with the following:

• Being present, attentive, and practical and with the capacity to identify operational bottlenecks and contribute to solutions.

• Clear communication skills, with the potential to act as a point of contact for both internal teams (production, technical) and external partners (such as catering and security).

• An interest in supporting the production and coordination of exhibitions, including installation planning, logistics, and liaising with curators and artists.

• The ability to assist with production research for upcoming programs think of such as sourcing suppliers, scouting venues, and identifying technical requirements.

• A readiness to support artist handling: coordinating schedules, managing hospitality, travel, and accommodation arrangements.

• A helping attitude to daily operations during events, including managing timelines, artist needs, and on-site logistics.

This traineeship offers space to develop practical production skills while working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Preferred position

• Currently studying or working in the arts and culture sector.

• Ability to work independently but also know when to seek help.

• Proactive, responsible, and solution-oriented with the ability to handle pressure or change.

• Curious and eager to learn.

• Experience with and access to design programs.

Requirements

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch and/or Arabic is a plus.

• Willingness to occasionally work outside regular office hours for events.

• Affinity with (A)WAKE’s work and approach 

• Interest in contemporary and alternative art, culture, and (social) design forms.

• Desire to be part of a developing organization and contribute to various (cultural) programs from a communication or production field of expertise.

Additional

• Opportunity to work on an independent project and/or take the initiative.

• Preferably based in or nearby Rotterdam

• (A)WAKE provides a computer suitable for heavy design and/or video editing work, and we have access to a sound studio equipped with audio material