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Call for 3 Cultural Curators

Many candidate cities under estimate the work which has to go into preparing the bid. A good example is, therefore, this brief issued by Matera as it shows a seriousness and readiness to commit resources even if the bid would not be successful. Nothering is more important than this kind of consistency.

Of interest is that the curators were asked to adhere to the spirit of the overall approach the city has decided to take for its bid. Some key words are mentioned which suggest already a kind of thematic outline as to what is not only conceived to be possible, but desireable in what can be and should be realized in future.

They had to identify 5 to 10 projects based on European cultural co-operation and produce briefs which would flush out the intellectual and artistic content of these projects. It is the best indication that the city understood how important is a cultural connectivity.

HF 19.10.2014



Call for cultural curators

1. Background

In order to prepare and support the candidature of Matera for the European Capital of Culture title, the Matera 2019 Committee was set up in July 2011 by an institutional partnership consisting of the Matera Municipality, the Basilicata Region, the Potenza Municipality, the Provinces of Matera and Potenza, the University of Basilicata and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Matera.

The Committee appointed a technical team – co-ordinated by the Director and supported by an international scientific committee- to prepare the application to be submitted by 20th September 2013.

The Matera 2019 Committee is looking for 3 cultural curators.

Their task will be to identify and develop key cultural projects based on European co- operation and/or co-production that will form the backbone of the cultural programme of the Matera 2019 application.
The cultural projects will be closely related to the themes of Matera’s candidature, such as for instance “connection and contemplation”, “sound and silence”, “body and earth”, “inhabiting space and place”, “utopias and dystopias”.

The cultural projects to be designed should take into account the Matera 2019 approach which is placing great emphasis on:

economic, social and cultural terms).

The cultural projects will be identified and developed between June 2013 and March 2014, whatever the outcome of Matera’s candidature.

2. Main Duties

Each person to be appointed will work with the Artistic Co-ordinator, the Matera 2019 Director and the Technical-Scientific Committee to:

identify 5-10 key projects based on European cultural co-operation and/or co- production to be implemented;

ensure the artistic and intellectual coherence and distinctiveness of all projects in each sub-theme;

involve actively the local creative communities in order to tap and enhance their potential, skills, international contacts and ideas;
help prepare bids for funding (aimed at sources including relevant local and regional authorities, Foundations and Creative Europe);

prepare detailed action plans for each project;
produce briefing papers and research notes as required, to help flesh out the rationales and intellectual/artistic contents of the chosen projects;
attend meetings as required and engage in regular communication with Matera 2019 colleagues.

Required Skills and Experience

Deep understanding of the spirit, aims and objectives of the Matera 2019 candidature.
Knowledge of relevant contemporary intellectual and artistic movements, debates and networks, with particular reference to Europe and the Mediterranean.

At least 8 years’ experience of, and strong interest in, working on international creative collaboration projects, and knowledge about the working of the EU and other European institutions.
Experience of, and strong interest in, working on promoting cultural co- operation and co-productions between local communities and European artists. Ability to provide artistic and intellectual leadership and inspiration.

Ability to work creatively in teams.
Effective communication skills, including good writing skills.
Experience of working with local authorities and other public sector organizations.
Knowledge of Italian and English is essential. Knowledge of other European and Mediterranean languages would be an advantage.

Submission of applications

5. Selection criteria

Experts will be selected by the Director supported by the Scientific Committee on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. proven skills and experience in designing and developing international co- operation projects in creative fields according to an interdisciplinary approach;

  2. proven experience in international networking and co-production, with an active involvement of local communities;

  1. proven knowledge and experience of relevant contemporary cultural networks and movements, with particular reference to Europe and the Mediterranean.

An equal opportunities policy, rejecting any form of discrimination on the grounds of sex, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation will be applied.

The Matera 2019 Committee may decide not to appoint any cultural curator if no suitable candidates are found.

Source: http://www.arterialnetwork.org/news/matera-2019-european-capital-of-culture-candidate-city-call-for-3-cultural-curators (downloaded 19.10.2014)

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