Manifesta 16 Ruhr Production Coordinator in Essen bei Manifesta 16 Ruhr gGmbH

Manifesta 16 Ruhr gGmbH

Manifesta rethinks the relations between culture and society by investigating and catalysing positive social change in Europe through contemporary culture in dialogue with the social sphere of a specific place. Since 1996, the Manifesta biennial takes place in a different European city every two years.

Manifesta 16 will take place in the Ruhr Area in 2026.

Employer organisation

The non-profit Manifesta 16 Ruhr gGmbH, whose shareholders are the Regional Association Ruhr/Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR) and the International Foundation Manifesta, is the organisation that was founded to realize Manifesta 16.

Job description

The Production department is responsible for the production, design, implementation and maintenance of the artistic programme and the biennial as such. Works in close collaboration with the Director, the different departments and the Creative Mediators to define the overall biennial strategy, the venues and the definition and implementation of the artistic proposals. The production department secures the venues with the help of the General Coordinator; defines and implements the refurbishment needed as well as the architectural implementation; works in close collaboration with the participants for the definition, production and implementation of their works; implements and coordinates the public program and provides and coordinates the infrastructure for the proper running of the biennial.

The Production Coordinator is one of the key figures in the Production Team locally imbedded. The Production Coordinator works side by side and under the supervision of the Head of Production.

He/she has good knowledge of the city and its infrastructure and an excellent command of public processes. The Production Coordinator has management skills, a technical background, and experience in the organization of events.

During the employment relationship, a business stay in Barcelona (to work with Manifesta 15) of up to three months is planned.

Core tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in the research of, and help secure, possible and alternative venue(s).
• Assist in the definition of the refurbishment works and safety and security measures in the venues.
• Act as a key contact with participating exhibition partners and venues and their staff.
• Maintain effective collaborations and relationships with staff of all exhibition and venue partners.
• Manage and supervise the submission of all necessary permissions and license agreements, insurances and safety regulations.
• Definition and management of the technical and administrative aspects of the event.
• Preparation, distribution and finalization of venues and partners agreements.
• Management and supervision of participants’ agreements and lenders’ contracts and partner using approved templates.
• Coordinate the relation with external collaborators such as but not limited to city administration, universities, students and professors, interns and volunteers.
• Define and implement the production of a part of the new commissions in close collaboration with the artists and/or participants.
• Oversee artists’ site-visits and ensure artists’ travel and accommodation requirements are managed efficiently and assist in hosting visiting participants.
• Coordinate and support in the definition of the use of the venues and adaption and preparation works to be done, including and following safety and security regulations.
• Assist in the execution of floor plans of the venues with the works, the scenography and the distribution of works.
• Liaise with exhibition venues to ensure the needs of the participants at the venues are met, including material and equipment requirements.
• Control and follow up of project related budgets.
• Assist the Head of Production in the management, recruitment and ongoing training of the production staff.
• Appoint and manage the external contractors following the established procurement processes.
• Define in collaboration with the Head of Production, implement and manage the exhibition staff and services: invigilation, cleaning, security and emergency plans etc.
• Manage the day-to-day running of the biennial for its duration, ensuring that works and outdoor projects are maintained in good working order and that overall presentation meet high standards of customer service.
• Collaborate with and support staff engaged in realizing events, audience engagement, public programs, school tours and education programs which take place within biennial spaces.
• Manage and coordinate the installation, maintenance and dismantling of the biennial.

Your qualifications

• Specialist for art and cultural production, project management, management, PMI certification or comparable;