Open Call: Festival Curator, Festival Co-curator, and Festival Assistant

Home » Open Call: Festival Curator, Festival Co-curator, and Festival Assistant

Hiring

OPEN CALL: CURATOR FOR KAMPALA WRITES LITERATURE FESTIVAL (2027–2029)

Application Deadline: 11th December 2026
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Engagement Period: 2027–2029
Organiser: Goethe-Zentrum Kampala (GZK), in collaboration with its festival partners


The Goethe Zentrum Kampala / Uganda Cultural Society is looking for a curator for its annual literature festival. Now going in its fourth edition, the festival aims to support the growth of the sector through skill development, encouraging critical dialogue on literature and foster networking and collaboration across borders.


Profile of applicant:
We welcome applications from organisations/individuals registered/based in Uganda with the following profile:
• A minimum of 5 years experience working within the local literature scene
• Proven experience in literary curation, festival programming, or a comparable role within the literary or cultural sector
• Knowledge of African literature, including its histories, contemporary developments, and diasporic dimensions
• Demonstrated proof of international networks with other writers, publishers or festivals
• Established international networks across literary, publishing, and cultural institutions, with the ability to attract and engage global participants.

What We Offer
• Creative autonomy within a collaborative framework
• Support from our internal team and festival assistant
• Extended festival discount on travel and accommodation, where applicable
• The opportunity to shape one of East Africa’s leading platforms for literary exchange

To apply:
Please submit the following in English, to director@goethezentrumkampala.org with the subject line “Kampala Writes Curator 2027″

  • A two -page proposal with a summary of the envisioned curatorial vision over the two year period responding to the needs of the local scene and developments in the international literary landscape.
  • Proof of registration or residence in Uganda
  • An updated resume demonstrating the knowledge and expertise required for the position as listed under the profile section. A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience (maximum one page). Contacts of /or recommendation letters from two professional references
  • Expected curatorial fee

Application deadline:11th December 2026
Queries can be directed to the Director via the same email. Due to our limited capacities, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive any responses from us by 15th December, please consider your application as unsuccessful. We appreciate your understanding.

OPEN CALL: CO-CURATOR FOR KAMPALA WRITES LITERATURE FESTIVAL (2027–2029)

Application Deadline: 11th December
Location: Kampala, Uganda or Abroad
Engagement Period: 2027–2029
Organiser: Goethe-Zentrum Kampala (GZK), in collaboration with its festival partners


Key Responsibilities
The Co-Curator will be expected to:
• Shape the festival’s programme: Work closely with the Festival Curator to conceive the festival theme and programme and line-up of panels.
• Research & Scouting: Draw on their knowledge of the literary landscape to identify and recommend artist, writers, poets, publishers, critics, and other creative practitioners from Uganda, and the diaspora to participate in the festival.
• Develop engaging sessions: Propose and shape panel discussions, readings, workshops, masterclasses, performances, and other literary encounters that enrich the festival’s theme.
• Assist in drafting the curatorial text for the festival catalogue
• Public relations: Be available for interviews by journalists and other content creators
• Evaluation and development: Participate in reviewing each edition and contribute recommendations for improving the festival’s programme, reach, and long-term development.


Profile of applicant:
• A strong understanding of contemporary Ugandan and African literary landscapes.
• Experience in developing literary programmes, curating cultural events, or working with writers and literary communities.
• Established relationships within literary communities in Uganda and, ideally, across the wider African continent.
• Strong research, communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.
• The ability to commit to a two-year engagement and work collaboratively with the festival curator and GZK team.


To apply:
Send an email to director@goethezentrumkampala.org with the following information:

  • A motivation statement of no more than one pages explaining your interest in the role, your understanding of Kampala Writes Literature Festival, and what you would bring to the festival over the next three years.
  • Proof of experience demonstrating previous curatorial, literary, or cultural programming experience.
  • Proof of international networks with other festivals, authors, publishers and relevant institutions
  • Expected co-curatorial fee.

Application deadline: 11th December 2026
Queries can be directed to the Director via the same email. Due to our limited capacities, only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive any responses from us by 15th December, please consider your application as unsuccessful. We appreciate your understanding.

OPEN CALL: FESTIVAL ASSISTANT FOR KAMPALA WRITES LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2027

Application Deadline: 11th December 2026
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Engagement Period: 2027 (March – August)
Organiser: Goethe-Zentrum Kampala (GZK), in collaboration with its festival partners
Summary: Kampala Writes Festival Assistant will support the festival team in planning and delivering the annual festival, focusing on administration, communications, partnerships, and resource mobilization.


Job Description

1. Guest and Participant Coordination
• Coordinate communication with invited participants and festival guests, ensuring timely sharing of schedules, venue details, and programme requirements.
• Research and provide input on guests and participants, considering their relevance to the festival programme.
• Coordinate the collection of guest profiles, biographies, photographs, and other materials required for programme preparation and publicity.
• Support guest logistics, including travel, accommodation, airport transfers, local transportation, and hospitality.

2. Publicity and Communication
• Handle the festival’s social media platforms and coordinating with festival interns on content scheduling and uploads closer to and during the festival.
• Coordinate with the team to ensure timely preparation and dissemination of festival announcements, programme updates, and publicity materials.
• Support the collection, organisation, and proofreading of festival content, including programme descriptions, speaker biographies, and participant information, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain updated programme schedules, contact lists, guest information, and other festival documentation.

3. Event and Logistics Coordination
• Provide on-site coordination during festival sessions, ensuring activities run smoothly and addressing logistical challenges as they arise.


Duration
This is a part-time position requiring approximately 24 hours of work per week. The role will involve occasional attendance at the GZK offices, with flexibility for remote work where appropriate. Working hours may increase during the festival week to accommodate the demands of the festival programme.


How to Apply: Please send your CV and a brief cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest in the role to gzkampaladirector@gmail.com before 11th December 2026.