Internship volunteers coordination / audience outreach Artefact

What is STUK?

STUK is a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Leuven, a house for dance, image and sound with an international appeal. The building comprises several concert and theatre halls, an exhibition space, a cinema, 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. Every day, artists are also at work behind the scenes at STUK, and we support the production of new work.

Short description of the internship
 

STUK is looking for a motivated intern to assist with the recruitment, scheduling, and coordination of volunteers during Artefact 2027 (February 4–21, 2027). As a volunteer coordination and audience engagement intern, you will assist the volunteer coordinator. You will help develop strategies for broad and inclusive recruitment of new volunteers, welcome the volunteers, and familiarize them with STUK. During the festival, you’ll help ensure the well-being of the volunteer crew and step in where needed. You’ll focus on fostering a sense of connection and engagement among all volunteers. Finally, you’ll share responsibility for audience engagement with challenging installations and artworks.

What is Artefact?

Artefact is the annual contemporary arts festival at STUK, featuring an exciting exhibition, performances, shows, lectures, and workshops. The festival centers on contemporary art practices that engage with complex subjects in poetic, critical, and exploratory ways. The festival is supported by dedicated volunteers who handle a wide range of tasks during the event. The new edition of Artefact explores how autofiction translates into contemporary visual art practices. Or, to put it another way: who are the “Annie Ernauxes” of today’s visual art world, and what do they have to say? (February 4–21, 2027).

Internship period & working hours

• Period: early December to late February.
• Working hours: 40% or 60% (from December to January) and full attendance including evening work (from 4 February to 21 February 2027).
• Flexibility: Adjustments possible in mutual consultation before the start of Artefact; working from home is also possible on occasion.

What will you do & learn?

• You will help devise strategies for broad and inclusive recruitment of new volunteers.
• You will gain insight into matching the needs of the arts centre with the availability and talents of volunteers.
• You will develop communication skills (both written and verbal) to maintain contact with a diverse group of volunteers.
• You will gain insight into motivational communication and conflict mediation.
• You will learn about the administrative side of volunteer management.
• You will learn to collaborate with different departments: production, public relations, communication.
• You will closely monitor communication and planning, while maintaining an overview.
• You will actively seek contact with people and take into account different perspectives and needs.
• You will help find ways to lower barriers and make art more accessible to diverse audiences.

What do we expect?

• No experience required.
• You are interested in the arts and culture sector.
• You have a good knowledge of Dutch and English.
• You are helpful, sociable, enthusiastic, and can convey this energy to others.
• You can function well in a (festival) team.
• A broad (usable) network in Leuven is an asset.
• Experience in volunteer work and/or youth work (scouts, youth clubs, playgrounds, etc.) is an added bonus.
• You are willing to work evenings and weekends (largely limited to the Artefact festival itself, from 4 February to 21 February 2027).
• You are respectful and curious about other worlds, backgrounds and experiences.

Where and with who will you be working?

You will mainly work closely with volunteer coordinator Julie Verdin. You will also work with the volunteers, the public relations team, the communications team, the production team, the bar staff and, in fact, all of your colleagues at STUK. In time, you will undoubtedly get to know the entire team.

What can we offer you?

• Free vegetarian lunch buffet and free dinner during evening shifts.
• A computer at your workplace to carry out your tasks.
• The internship is unpaid, and you will not receive any expense allowances, e.g. for travel to/from STUK.
• Free access to activities and performances at STUK for the 2025–2026 season.
• A fantastic, open team to work with.

Application & selection process

Contact person: Julie Verdin (volunteer coordinator)
Respond before: 19 October 2026
Email a cover letter and CV to vrijwilligers@stuk.be before 19 October 2026

If you are selected after your official application, you will be invited for a face-to-face interview at STUK with Julie Verdin (volunteer coordinator). This will take place in the week of 26 October 2026. If this is a positive and pleasant interview and you are selected for the internship, there will be a few administrative matters to take care of before the internship can begin.

If you do not (yet) meet all the requirements but are very interested in this internship, please do not hesitate to apply. We are curious about your talents and skills and how you can contribute to our story.

STUK values diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in our programme, our residencies and our partnerships. We want to be a safe and welcoming home with room for different voices and perspectives.