Multidisciplinary Studio Internship - Art, Engineering & Communication (Berlin)

Studio Apelbaum is an artist-led studio founded by Jonathan Apelbaum, an artist and engineer. Our paintings explore intimacy, memory and gender through people and their stories. We are building a new 150 m² studio at Osloer Straße 16–17, in the historic Umspannwerk Christiania.

We build cognitive paintings: oil paintings that change with light, movement and sound through LED systems and software we develop ourselves. Painting, electronics, music and performance become parts of the same work.

Our team crosses disciplines: Jonathan Apelbaum (painting and artistic direction), Thore Bartholomäus (co-owner and main engineer), James Calvert (mechanics and mechatronics), Fabian Wetekamp (software), Titouan Duflo (engineering, sound and AV), Clément Royon and malice. (music and soundscape), Lucie Fröhlich (fabrication and animation), Patricia Berchtold (architecture), and Nas (building). Choreographer Matilde Flor Usinger was part of I Want You to Love Me More. Aaron, who performs as Forgotten Sound, helps us shape the move from an exhibition into a party.

The new space is workshop, exhibition room and invitation-only meeting place. We make its adaptable furniture ourselves in steel and oak, and our intimate event series is at the heart of the studio. We build the works, shape the room, invite and welcome guests. With Clément Royon's music and sound, we explore how an exhibition can slowly change its rhythm; with Aaron / Forgotten Sound, that movement can carry on into a party. This approach grows from Jonathan's experience in queer and club culture. I Want You to Love Me More shows how painting, sound, performance and people can become one evening. Beyond the studio we create large installations with TRACEY (formerly Lunchbox Candy), Playground Festival and other art festivals.

Main Focus

We are looking for engineers, programmers, makers, artists, writers and communicators. You will work with the paintings and take on one main project shaped around your skills. The internship is a first step toward a longer collaboration.

First, we will build and open the new studio, including its steel and oak furniture and intimate event series. Our major exhibition in May is the main shared project: we will transform an entire building and make the experience together, from installation and invitations to welcoming guests. Depending on your role, you may build, code, write, coordinate or host.

Tasks

• Build and assemble cognitive paintings and LED systems (wood, metal, electronics)
• Help design and build the studio's custom steel and oak furniture and adaptable dining space, then produce exhibitions and large external installations
• Contribute to research, prototypes, software, spatial design or storytelling according to your skills
• Organise materials, tools, storage, artwork transport and installation in the studio and at external sites
• Manage shipping lists, cost estimates, and customs documentation
• Write or create invitations, exhibition texts, documentation and communication materials where relevant to your project
• Assist in managing multiple ongoing projects
• Occasionally travel as a courier for exhibitions

Requirements

• A practice or strong interest in engineering, programming, making, visual art, writing, communication or related fields
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Interest in contemporary art, installation, or performance
• Curiosity about working across art, technology, production, storytelling and communication; you do not need to arrive with all these skills
• Reliability, flexibility and care for both artworks and people

Benefits

You will learn within a diverse team that works like a chosen family, surrounded by a larger community. You will gain practical experience in electronics, steel and oak, and help shape our studio, intimate events and major May exhibition. Your own studio project gives you room to grow with us.

• Duration: 6 months
• Format: Part-time
• Compensation: Unpaid

The role is part-time so you can continue an independent project alongside your studio work and work on the side. During the internship you will also lead one main project within Studio Apelbaum, agreed together and supported by the team.

The studio is a place to teach, learn and grow together. We are looking for people who want to stay with us. The internship is a first step, and the main project you take on here can become the direction of your future work in the studio.

Please send:

• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the studio, your independent work and the direction you would like to develop here (most important)
• Your CV and/or portfolio (if available)

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