WorkArt Kunstverein

Through the WorkArt Fellowship Program, the Center for German and European Studies provides up to ten summer fellowships each year for outstanding students enrolled in any discipline who have a demonstrated interest in art. The program provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in art to gather valuable work experience in the nonprofit sector at one of Germany’s 300+ community-based nonprofit art associations and galleries (Kunstvereine). WorkArt offers unique insights into Germany’s art world, the exhibition and organization of art events, and the cultural politics of making and funding art. WorkArt fellows also enjoy opportunities to develop social and professional networks in Europe as building blocks for future careers that revolve around the arts and arts management. The program is not a studio art program and students from any discipline are invited to apply. Undergraduate applications are especially welcomed. 

Interested in a WorkArt Fellowship? Apply today!

Participating community art chapters are located throughout Germany, and our partners can vary from year to year. Fellows are placed individually based on the best fit with the host institution. Internship fellowships run from late May through August and generally last four to eight weeks. Students enrolled at Boston College, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and all University of Minnesota campuses—Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester—are encouraged to apply. WorkArt may fulfill the internship requirement for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus Department of Art. Contact Patricia Straub, senior academic advisor in the Department of Art, for more information at pstraub@umn.edu

WorkArt is a unique partnership between the University of Minnesota and Germany’s ADKV, a national association of community-based nonprofit art associations and galleries dedicated to exploring and presenting contemporary art. Additional partners are the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and Boston College (BC).

What happens during the program?

Fellows gather valuable insights into Germany's art world, the nonprofit art sector and cultural management, and the politics of exhibiting and organizing art events. They work directly with artists, art management, and the broader community. Each internship fellow will work with the director and staff of a Kunstverein chapter according to an individually negotiated schedule during a four to eight week internship from late May through August. Fellows will complete 20–30 hours of work per week.

Who may apply?

The program is open to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in any discipline or field from anywhere in the University of Minnesota system, Boston College, and Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Applicants must be at least 20 years old with a demonstrated interest in art, culture, and the nonprofit sector. Strong organizational skills are essential. German-language proficiency is desired, but not required. The application deadline for summer 2024 is Friday, February 14th by 4 p.m. Apply online for the WorkArt fellowship.

Information on funds and fees

The costs for this program vary. Fellows are responsible for partial airfare, meals and (partial) housing costs, public transportation fees, personal expenses, and passport application fees. We expect that fellows should budget about $1,500 per month for the stay in Germany.

The fellowship package covers international health and liability insurance for the fellowship period, and a $1,000 stipend to offset other expenses. Please note that fellows are encouraged to extend their stay in Europe; however, they are not allowed to stay with their hosts beyond the program dates. Stays longer than three months require a special visa; all such arrangements are the student's individual responsibility.

Additional Information

All fellows must be available to attend two orientation meetings/workships before the internship. Workshop dates will be announced. All  Minnesotan fellows will be asked to share their experience with students at the University after they return in fall 2024.