Internship Artefact - assistant production

What is STUK? 

STUK is a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Leuven, a home for dance, image & sound with an international appeal. The building houses multiple exhibition spaces, a cinema, concert and theatre halls, a café, and much more. From dance performances and concerts to films and exhibitions: STUK does it all. With STUK START, TakeOff UUR KULTUUR, Rode Hond, Artefact, Hear Here, and STUK Eindfeest, STUK offers a multitude of festivals and contexts to present Belgian and international artists in the best possible way. Artists are also at work behind the scenes at STUK every day, and we support the production of new work.

Brief description of the internship

For our next Artefact expo (Feb 4 - Feb 21, 2027), STUK is looking for a motivated production intern to strengthen the artistic team. The new edition of Artefact explores how autofiction translates into contemporary visual art practices. Or, in other words: who are the Annie Ernauxs of the visual arts world today, and what do they have to say?

Under the guidance of two production staff members, you will assist with the production preparation and follow-up of the Artefact exhibition and its peripheral activities. This includes, among other things, communicating with and understanding the needs of artists, gathering information, attending festival team meetings and successfully completing the resulting assignments, organizing travel, hotel, catering, and artwork transport, and taking care of the hospitality of the artists present.

We can further shape the internship in consultation, depending on your interests. For example, there is the opportunity to delve into the content of the exhibition and give guided tours, be responsible for a specific and/or participatory project, or assist with the organization of the museum attendants.

Internship period & working hours

• Periode: Monday 30 November 2026 to Friday 5 March 2027. 
• Working hours: During the internship, you will work at least 3 days a week at STUK. The frequency is higher during busy periods before, during and right after the festival, including evenings and weekends. 
• Flexibility: Adjustments are possible by mutual agreement.

What do we expect?

• strong affinity with contemporary visual arts and the Image programming of STUK
• ability to maintain an overview in extensive and complex schedules
• accurate, punctual, sensitive, and communicative
• proactive and able to work independently within deadlines
• able to function well in a (festival) team
• good writing skills in Dutch and English
• good knowledge of current software and Google Drive
• willing to work evenings and weekends (largely limited to the Artefact festival)

Where and with whom will you be working?

As part of the artistic team, you will work closely with the two production managers. In addition, you will collaborate with the curator, the audience engagement coordinator, the volunteer coordinator, and the other interns who are strengthening their teams. In time, you will undoubtedly get to know the entire STUK team

What can we offer you?

• intensive internship with challenging assignments under supervision and regular feedback sessions
• know-how regarding the ‘design and realization’ of an exhibition and the associated peripheral activities
• insight into STUK as an organization
• a fantastic team to work with
   
• the internship is unpaid; you will not receive any reimbursement for expenses such as travel costs to/from STUK
• however, we do provide a free vegetarian lunch buffet and free dinner during evening shifts
• and the opportunity to attend all STUK activities for free during your internship period

Application & Selection Process

Email your cover letter and CV before September 23, 2026, to ilse.vanessche@stuk.be, mieke.winters@stuk.be and karen.verschooren@stuk.be.

If you are selected following your official application, you will be invited for an in-person interview at STUK with Ilse Van Essche and Mieke Winters (production managers exhibitions). This selection round will take place in the week of September 28, 2026.

Do you not (yet) meet all the requirements, but are you very enthusiastic about this internship? Do not hesitate to apply. We are curious about your talents and competencies and how you can help write our story. STUK values ​​diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in our program, our residencies, and partnerships. We want to be a safe and welcoming home with space for different voices and perspectives.