Call for Proposals
The Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi is looking for a freelance research coordinator for a project on Digital Memory, Protest Culture and Archives.
We are inviting proposals for a Research Coordinator (India-based) to support an international media artists project on collective memory, protest culture, and digital archives. The project adapts a tech art installation in development from Germany - focused on memory culture and social movements - into the Indian socio-political and historical context. The project aims to bring together an artistic team from Germany with researchers, archives, and partner institutions in India.
The Research Coordinator will act as a key bridge between the artistic team in Germany and collaborators in India. The position combines local research, institutional coordination, and curatorial support, with a strong emphasis on digital memory practices and protest histories.
You will help contextualize themes of collective memory and social emancipation within India, while supporting the artistic translation of these ideas into an exhibition / installation format.
Requirements
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with archives, oral histories, or historical collections
- Is familiar with memory culture, social emancipation, and protest movements in India
- Has experience (or strong interest) in digital formats for making historical documents accessible (online archives, digital exhibitions, databases, etc.)
- Is comfortable working across artistic, academic, and activist contexts
- Can communicate confidently in English (knowledge of additional Indian languages is a strong plus)
- Is organized, proactive, and comfortable working independently while coordinating internationally
Backgrounds may include (but are not limited to): history, anthropology, sociology, media studies, archival studies, cultural studies, or artistic research.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Content Development
- Conduct local research on protest movements, memory practices, and relevant archives in India
- Identify case studies, materials, and narratives relevant to the project
- Support contextual adaptation of the installation for Indian audiences
Archival & Digital Support
- Assist in locating, organizing, and preparing archival materials
- Support the digitization, documentation, and structuring of historical content
- Help translate archival research into formats usable for artistic presentation
Coordination & Communication
- Act as local contact person for the artistic team in Germany
- Communicate with partner institutions, archives, and cultural organizations in India
- Support scheduling, meetings, and information exchange between all collaborators
Documentation
- Prepare background documents, research summaries, and project materials
- Assist with permissions, credits, and basic administrative coordination
Time Commitment
- End March until December 2026, with the possibility of an extension until mid-2027
- Sprint week: 8-14 April 2026
- Time commitment varies depending on the project phase; on average, approximately 8 hours per week can be expected
How to participate
Send your proposal with the subject line ‘Proposal for Research Coordinator’ with the following documents:
- CV/ Portfolio
- Statement of interest (approx..500 words), outlining your relevant experience and motivation, including examples of previous research, archival, or digital projects if applicable
- Quotation of your hourly rate
Mail to:
Bewerbungen-DEL@goethe.de
The deadline for proposals is
18 March 2026.