Internship - Studio Apelbaum - Art, Engineering or Communication (Berlin)

We are looking for interns in art, engineering, and communication to join Studio Apelbaum.

Studio Apelbaum, founded by artist and engineer Jonathan Apelbaum, combines traditional oil painting with interactive technology to create ‘Cognitive Paintings’ that shift images with light, movement, and sound through custom LED systems and software.

Our team includes engineers, musicians, performers, writers, designers, and builders. We are currently building a new 150 m² studio at Osloer Straße 16–17 in the historic Umspannwerk Christiania, with a workshop and our own exhibition space.

Our own series of invitation-only events and exhibitions is central to the new studio. Over the next few months, we will design and build adaptable furniture in steel and oak so the same room can host work, an exhibition, dinner, and an event.

The whole team is artists in their own way; they think differently and create their own methods.

We create the artworks, design the space, invite our guests, and welcome them. C’est le principe de l’œuvre complète / architecture verticale.

How the internship works

The internship is hands-on and involves working closely with the team across the studio: building, production, and exhibitions.

The first part of the internship will focus on building the new studio, including steel and oak furniture and the adaptable exhibition and dining space. You will then develop the Cognitive Paintings and assemble and test the paintings and their LED systems.

Over the six months, you will take on a main project based on your skills and interests, guided by the team. This could include engineering, programming, communication, music, design, documentation, filming, or any related field.

During the internship, you will gradually develop your own main project based on your skills and interests, in collaboration with Jonathan. This project can develop further and become one of your main areas of work within the studio.

You will also help prepare our major exhibition in May 2027, as well as installations and projects outside the studio with TRACEY (formerly Lunchbox Candy), Playground Festival, and other art festivals.

Tasks

Your tasks will include:

• Co-building the new studio (steel and oak, as used in the paintings)
• Co-building, assembling, and testing Cognitive Paintings and their LED systems
• Organizing materials, tools, storage, artwork transport, and installations
• Supporting the preparation and installation of exhibitions and events

Depending on your background, skills, and interests, whether in engineering, communication, curation, music, or another field, you will have the opportunity to develop a project that connects with your own passion.

This could include:

• Contributing to research, prototypes, and software
• Filming and documenting the studio
• Designing the exhibition flyers, invitations, and catalog
• Developing sound or music for exhibitions and events
• Co-curating exhibitions
• Exploring new frames, shapes, and materials for the paintings

Requirements

• A strong interest in art, design, engineering, and communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a chosen family
• Interest in working across different disciplines
• Reliability, flexibility, and willingness to take initiative
• A valid driving license is a plus, particularly for assisting with transport, installations, and external projects

Benefits

The internship is part-time, six months, and unpaid.

You don't need a specific background or all the skills listed. You will work closely with a diverse team and learn how to work with electronics, steel, and oak, as well as production and exhibition installation. You will also help prepare and install our main exhibition in May 2027.

Our studio is a place to teach, learn, and grow together. The main project you develop during the internship will be shaped around your own skills and interests and can become the direction of your future work in the studio. We are looking for people who are interested in long-term collaborations.

Please send:

• CV
• A portfolio, if available
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the studio and the direction you would like to take