Art · Culture · Project Development

Giving ideas shape. Making projects happen.

I develop art and culture projects, structure processes and work in the space of creative possibilities – where people, ideas and tasks come together.

I am a communication designer, visual artist and systemic Master Coach. My approach combines artistic thinking with conceptual clarity, communication and an understanding of group dynamics.

Art · Culture · Project Development

Concept, creation, communication, curation, coordination.

Supporting institutions and professionals across the arts and creative industries.
Developing and delivering exhibitions, artist exchanges, events and other creative formats

Whether it’s a first idea, concept development, shaping collaboration and communication or hands-on implementation: my strength lies in getting to the heart of complex issues and clarifying what a project should achieve, how and for whom, and what added value it might hold. I create professional project dossiers that can be used to approach partners, funders or sponsors, and on that basis I guide the project through to completion.
For over 25 years, I have worked as an interdisciplinary freelancer, offering a flexibly scalable range of skills and a strong track record in delivery. High standards, reliability and a strong sense of responsibility underpin my work.

Concept & Strategy

Developing ideas

Ideas and concept papers, including project outline and architecture (formats, participants, venues, structure and workflows …)
Building blocks for funding applications and professional marketing; final reports

Design & Visual Communication

Project dossier

Professionally designed project dossiers.
Corporate design and applications (brochures, flyers, catalogues …)
Social media content for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

Presentation & Delivery

Project management

Coordination, team support and press relations
Facilitation, workshops and talks
Exhibition curation

Make an enquiry

KATRIN BRACKMANN · ABOUT ME

Thinking in context and making things happen …

As a visual artist, qualified designer and concept developer, I am interested in how people, ideas and social contexts interact. I enjoy creating formats that enable encounters, open up new ways of thinking, reveal different perspectives and bring people into dialogue.

I develop concepts and support processes, combining creative thinking with strategic perspective, curiosity and a passion for exchange.

As a certified systemic Master Coach (NLP*), I bring solid experience in change processes, communication and personal development. My training and experience enable me to guide groups and teams through collaborative projects.

My strengths include pragmatism, flexibility and the ability to see the bigger picture. When needed, I address difficult issues clearly – respectfully, on equal footing and occasionally with a touch of humour.

Services

Concept: Ideas, development and structure of project formats
Text: Editorial work, press and public relations
Design: Visual design for a range of communication materials
Process: Process facilitation, coordination and communication
Event: Concept development, facilitation and representation
Coaching: Systemic support for teams and transformation

*) NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is a coaching and communication approach that works with patterns of perception, language and behaviour. It covers principles of change, personal development, effective communication and learning, including deliberately conditioning yourself for success.

Diploma in Communication DesignFolkwang University of the Arts
Systemic Master Coach
and (Teaching) Trainer
Resilience, conflict and mental coaching
Training and further education, certified to the standards of DVNLP (German NLP Association)
Graves Value CoachSpiral Dynamics / values development
Public Speaking AcademyTobias Beck
Mastery of Training and LeadingYvonne Schönau and Christian Gärtner
TETA 1–3Dieter Lange (Lebensschule)

Selected Projects

THIS IS NOW / ARTIST EXCHANGE

2024 Germany ↔ Mongolia · Art as a space for encounter, presence and collaboration

Meeting with the Mongolian Ambassador as part of THIS IS NOW

Key visual, image: UMA · Meeting with H.E. Birva Mandakhbileg, Ambassador of Mongolia (photo: Tsevelmaa BATMUNKH)

“What can art do?” – encounter, inspiration, co-creation and collaboration across cultural boundaries.
In 2024, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Mongolia, this exchange project brought artists from both countries together for shared working periods and exhibitions in Mongolia and the Ruhr region. Industrial heritage met nomadic tradition. What an exciting time it was!

50Years of diplomatic relations

20Artists

4Joint exhibitions

2Countries in exchange

Context & Commission: The project was organised by Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund (Essen), the Union of Mongolian Artists (Ulaanbaatar) and different e.V. (Dortmund).
Aim & Approach: An artist exchange marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Mongolia, initiated by the Mongolian Embassy.
My Role: Concept development and programme design, team coordination, support for Mongolian guests, communications, press relations and final report.
Outcome & Impact: Collaboration across cultural boundaries: under the patronage of the Mongolian Ambassador and the Lord Mayor of Essen, four joint exhibitions took place in Mongolia and the Ruhr region.

PRINTS OF EXCHANGE / ARTIST EXCHANGE

2026 Essen ↔ Ulaanbaatar · Printmaking as a space for encounter and co-creation

Artists during the PRINTS OF EXCHANGE printmaking workshop

A flagship project within the City of Essen’s application for UNESCO Creative City of Design status.
PRINTS OF EXCHANGE connected Mongolian artists with students in Essen through the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A printmaking workshop and exhibitions translated themes such as education, gender equality and global cooperation into distinct artistic responses. The project was a collaboration between the City of Essen’s Department of Culture and the University of Fine Arts Essen (HBK Essen).

17UN Sustainable Development Goals

10Artists

2Cultures

2+1Exhibitions, 1 workshop

Context & Commission: Development of a flagship project for Essen’s UNESCO application. The brief was to create an artist exchange that strengthens the city’s identity as a creative and design hub and reflects the spirit of the UN.
Aim & Approach: Urban development, international networks and public participation. Using artistic collaboration and creativity to support sociocultural development, addressing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals through distinctive artistic responses.
My Role: Artistic direction from the initial idea and project outline through securing partners and delivery; design, writing, print production, photography and social media communications.
Outcome & Impact: A shared working and exhibition context that connects international exchange with questions of a sustainable future and supports successful cultural policy.

RKB / ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION

since 2022 Board team: concept development, communication and curation at Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund e.V.

Panel discussion as part of Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund’s work

Workshop with members of Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund

Panel discussion with Prof. Peter Gorschlüter, H.E. Birva Mandakhbileg and Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen. Right: workshop with RKB members. Photos: Dirk Nacke, Katrin Brackmann.

RKB: Growing through diversity – clear direction, curatorial work and open exchange.
Founded in 1949, Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund carries forward the idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk and the Folkwang spirit. The association sees art, with its interdisciplinary possibilities, as a way to foster tolerance, exchange and social change. I’m involved in running the association, lead workshops, help shape exhibition concepts and facilitate public conversations.

1949Founded

>200Exhibitions

52Members

7Working groups

Context & Commission: My work with the board team of Ruhrländischer Künstlerbund (RKB), an association of artists in the Ruhr region.
Aim & Approach: Strengthen the organisation’s direction and profile. Make art visible as a space for exchange, diversity and social dialogue; expand its reach and improve internal communication and structures.
My Role: Press and public relations, member newsletter, organisational development, team workshops, facilitation of art talks and artist conversations, and co-development and curation of exhibitions.
Outcome & Impact: Improved structures, greater member satisfaction and stronger team spirit. New formats that bring members, art and the public into dialogue and help unlock potential.

Interested?

Have a project in mind?

Graphic illustrating how a project idea develops

… but still short on ideas? Or you have ideas, but no concept yet?

If you want to develop an idea, structure a cultural project or reorganise your team and are looking for support, let’s talk. Perhaps there’s already a topic, a network or an occasion, just not a clear format yet? I’d be glad to think it through with you, help move it forward and make it visible.

Get in touch

You can reach me at k@katrinbrackmann.de.