MaMA in Rotterdam is looking for four Rotterdam based Researchers for 12 hours per week | Vacancy for a Paid position, Freelance/ZZP | Deadline: 27-04-2025
MaMA is a platform for visual culture and talent development – a gateway for emerging makers at the cutting edge of contemporary art and popular culture. MaMA creates exhibitions, publications, performances and events, with collaboration and learning at its core.
Researcher
based in Rotterdam
12 hours per week | a 7-month research residency
At present, disability and chronic illness are systemically underrepresented within the cultural sector, both in Rotterdam and more widely. The intention of the project ‘Cripping* Cultural Work’ is to contribute to a positive shift towards a less ableist field, by re-examining our own institutional practices and imagining alternatives.
We are inviting four disabled / chronically ill emerging cultural workers and artists to join a 7-month research residency with MaMA Rotterdam. The primary focus of the residency is to conduct independent research on a topic of choice, informed by the context of the residency program. The program will consist of a workshop and lecture series organised by MaMA in collaboration with guests. We will explore different themes in relation to normative work practices such as productivity, creativity and time. Each participant will translate their research into a tangible outcome such as a zine, an artwork, or a lecture. The residency will culminate in a public program in our exhibition space.
Throughout the residency, participants will also collaborate with MaMA to discuss accessibility challenges within the institution. Our aim is to foster reciprocal learning between MaMA and the participants, as together we contribute to an evolving understanding of accessibility.
This opportunity is open to Rotterdam-based creatives/artists/makers who identify as chronically ill, disabled and/or neurodivergent and have a strong interest in disability justice and Critical Disability Studies. We are keen to support emerging artists and cultural workers who are looking to build experience and learn from others within our sector. The project will run from June until December 2025 with a public program around October.
Participants are asked to
- Conduct their own (artistic / practice led) research on a topic of their choice, informed by the residency themes.
- Translate their research into a tangible outcome such as a zine, artwork or lecture that can be shared with the public.
- Co-organize a public program, to share the research projects with a public.
- Participate in group sessions (this can be workshops or meetings) on Monday and/or Thursday afternoon.
MaMA offers
- A project fee of € 9,000.00 ex. VAT per participant (which translates to an hourly fee of € 30,- and 300 hours over the course of the project).
- Workshops and individual coaching sessions.
- Flexible working hours and work from home opportunities, with the exception of pre scheduled group sessions.
- Support from MaMA’s staff in setting up the public program.
You can find more detailed information on our website.
How to apply?
You can apply in a format that is most accessible to you, including written text, voice notes, or video.
- Please provide a short motivation statement (maximum 250 words), responding to the following question: What does accessibility mean to you, and why do you think it’s important in the arts and cultural sector?
- Please outline a short research proposal (maximum 250 words). This can be a rough sketch of your interests and can be changed during the program. What topic or theme, in relation to disability justice and/ or accessibility in the cultural sector, would you like to research during the residency?
- Additionally, please share your cv. If you don’t have a cv, please briefly summarize your work/study experience.
Please send your application to felicitas@thisismama.nl latest by 27 April, 2025 at 23:59. Interviews will be held on 6 and 8 May, 2025.
Q&A sessions
If you have any questions about accessibility, payment, the residency program and more, please sign up for one of the following Q&A sessions. You will then be assigned a 15 minute slot to speak to the project team so you can ask all of your questions. If you can’t make it to either of the Q&A sessions, you are welcome to send your questions via email.
The sessions will take place on 17 April from 17:00 – 18:00.
To sign up, please send an email to felicitas@thisismama.nl.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
More information about the organisation: see our website.