(CLOSED) Call for applications: Graphic designer(s) to create the new visual identity for the 2025–26 season

Le Varia is one of the Performing Arts Centres of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Based in the heart of the capital since its foundation in 1981, it houses two performance venues – the Théâtre Varia and the Studio Varia – as well as various rehearsal spaces, spread across two buildings. A place of discovery, encounters and inspiration, the Varia supports and fosters contemporary French-language creativity in all its diversity. Supported by the permanent team and the 11 partner artists and collectives she has invited to make Varia their long-term home, Coline Struyf, appointed director in July 2021, is spearheading an ambitious artistic project. Varia offers a programme of around twenty shows that is unconventional and unrestrained, opening the stage to new narratives, hybrid aesthetics and disciplines, and creators with diverse identities, inviting all audiences to question the complexity of the world and to celebrate the inexhaustible richness of our imaginations.
 

Job description

Following the complete overhaul of Le Varia’s visual identity in 2022—which was designed and implemented by the same agency over the last three seasons—we now wish to develop a seasonal identity with a new design agency or new designers. Varia now has a strong, distinctive and recognisable visual identity that effectively conveys the mission and objectives of its artistic project and is well-suited to establishing a lasting presence in the city.

You have two tasks:

• Varia comprises two venues, each with its own distinct identity. Some graphic elements are used only for the Theatre or only for the Studio, whilst others are used for Varia as a whole. You will assist us in developing the concept of creating a single logo representing both our venues, the Theatre and the Studio, inspired by the two existing logos.
• Your task is to create the new visual identity for the 25-26 season, including the production of a series of posters, the conceptualisation and production of elements for the website redesign, the creation of a season programme, graphic elements (social media and digital) for the season launch, and signage elements for the season opening of both venues. This list is not exhaustive. The working method for all aspects of the seasonal identity (printed and digital press inserts, social media templates, etc.) is to be discussed.

Required profile

• Proven experience in developing visual identities: You have solid experience in creating and implementing visual identities, from conceptualisation to the production of various media. You have a thorough understanding of the challenges involved in developing, planning and executing a coherent visual identity in line with the objectives of an artistic project.
• You are ready to support the long-term evolution of our visual identity, whilst remaining attentive to the needs and future developments of Varia’s artistic project.
• You have in-depth knowledge of production and pre-press techniques, as well as web development.
• You have experience in conceptualising scenography and/or designing graphic elements that integrate into the physical space, such as signage and audience flow within a cultural venue.
• You are equipped to produce the various tools required.
• You have an affinity with the cultural sector and an understanding of the field of communication.

Timeline

Based on the portfolio you send us, a shortlist of candidates will be drawn up at the end of October. Successful candidates will be invited to meet with us to get to know one another, discuss the working method to be implemented for the creation of this new seasonal identity, and any feedback that those met might have on the identities developed over recent years, and our communications more generally. A final selection will be made in early December. Initial discussions regarding the seasonal visual identity will take place from March 2025 onwards. The new graphic identity must be approved during April 2025 to coincide with the online launch of the 25-26 season planned for May, the print launch of the programme, and the handover of the digital graphic assets.

Are you interested and available?

Please send a representative selection of your work (posters, programmes, website, etc.), along with your CV and a short cover letter, to Muriel Devémy, Communications Manager, at muriel.devemy@varia.be by 25 October 2024 at the latest. Please feel free to contact her for any further information, by email or on 02/642.20.67.