Czech Centre Brussels is looking for a design curator for an international project!

Czech Centre Brussels

Through MAD Brussels, Czech Centre Brussels is launching an open call for a curator based in Benelux for the project Book Space: Beautiful Books for Everyone.

Are you a sharp-eyed curator or a set designer ready to take on the challenge of a traveling project? This initiative brings together book culture in the Czech Republic and Belgium with interior design and inclusive aesthetics. By collaborating with renowned designers and manufacturers, you will help create a reading space that adapts to libraries in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, designed to offer an inspiring and accessible experience. Seize this opportunity to blend curation, spatial design and inclusivity in a collaborative and innovative project.

About the project Book space: beautiful books for everyone

The role involves co-curating the selection of Czech and Belgian furniture and interior design elements for the reading corner (20–25m²). This will include collaborating with renowned Czech furniture manufacturers and designers, providing the curator with the opportunity to work with some of the most respected companies in the Czech design industry, known for their innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Potential partners include Master & Master, TON, Todus, Fleysen, Polstrin, LD Seating, Mikolášková&Drobná, Javorina, Lugi, and other designers and manufacturers. The curator will also adapt the reading corner to meet the specific needs of libraries in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, ensuring its functionality and relevance. Additionally, they will contribute to developing an inclusive and educational approach to book presentation.

The project will launch at Muntpunt during Brussels Design September in mid-September 2025, before traveling to other libraries across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The following libraries are currently under discussion and subject to confirmation:

January – February : B3 - Centre de ressources et de créativité de la Province de Liège, Liège
March – April : Lëtzebuerg City Bibliothèque, Luxembourg
May – June : Bibliotheek Permeke, Antwerp
September – October : Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam, Amsterdam
November – December : Rotterdam Central Library

WHAT DOES THIS OPEN CALL OFFER YOU ?

Curatorial fee : A fee of €500 per day (excluding VAT), with an estimated commitment of up to 8 days, covering research, project development, and attendance at all installations across six locations.
Travel expenses :
Czech Centre Brussels will cover round-trip travel costs for site visits, installation, and inaugurations at each library, and will handle the transportation of pieces between locations.
Research trip to Czech Republic :
A curatorial research trip with a budget of €1,200 (including VAT), offering the opportunity to explore the Czech design scene and engage with designers and producers in showrooms and manufacturing facilities.
International project nvolvement: The chance to be part of a cross-border initiative, engaging with a diverse range of design and book cultures.
Promotion and visibility: Your name and work will be promoted through Czech Centre Brussels and the project's communication channels.
Creative freedom: Enjoy creative autonomy while collaborating with renowned professionals from the fields of design and literature.

Selection criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for this call:

Applicants must be based in Benelux.
Passion for interior and furniture design.
A creative approach and the ability to work on a multidisciplinary project are assets.
Interest in books and innovative ways of presenting them is an advantage.

Applications are open to both individuals and collective studios.

How to apply?

To apply, please submit your CV along with your portfolio showcasing your work and previous projects by Wednesday, April 30th (23:59) via this form. The selected applicant will be contacted by early May 2025.

DEADLINES

Open call launch :
April 1, 2025
Applications deadline : April 30, 2025.
Jury based on documents provided : May 6, 2025
Results announcement by email :
Week of May 6, 2025

Agenda

Planning phase, selection of Belgian and Czech designers: May – June 2025

Week of May 12: Library visits with Czech Centre Brussels team.
Week of May 19 or May 26: A four-day research trip for the curator to the Czech Republic.

Production phase : July – Mid-September 2025

Ongoing implementation at the first location : September – December 2025