Annette Schindler – Archivist for Family Archives
Art historian · 30 years of management experience in the cultural sector · Archivist with a fascination for “old stuff.”
From the Arts and Culture Sector to Family Archives
After 30 years of total dedication and passionate commitment in leadership roles in the arts and film festival sector, the time was right for me to open a new door in my career. Since 2021, I have been working full-time with private family archives: I ensure that their treasures are preserved and made accessible to future generations.
In my work, I combine three elements: an eye for meaning and context honed through art history training; management experience that enables me to plan projects realistically and see them through to completion; and archival skills—acquired through the CAS in Archival Practice at the University of Applied Sciences of Graubünden.
INTERVIEW
In Conversation: Annette Schindler on her curatorial work focusing on online cultures and initiatives in the 1990s and 2000s.
As part of the SNF research project “Sharing Knowledge in the Arts,” Annette Schindler spoke with Stefanie Bräuer in 2024 about three decades in the cultural sector, network cultures, copyleft, and educational outreach at the media art institution [plug.in]. A personal look back at a multifaceted phase of her career.
Video Interview · 78 min. · July 2024 · “Sharing Knowledge in the Arts,” HGK Basel FHNW · CC BY 4.0
Stations & Documents
Qualification
Degree in Art History · CAS in Archival Practice at the University of Applied Sciences of Graubünden · ongoing continuing education courses · recipient of the 2010 Prix Meret Oppenheim.
Career Milestones
Since 2020: Director of the VKKS Mentoring Program for Art Historians
2012–2021: Director of Fantoche, the International Animation Film Festival in Baden
2000–2011: Director of Plug.in Art and New Media Basel (now HEK Basel)
1997–2000: Director of the Swiss Institute in New York
1992–1995: Director of the Kunsthaus Glarus
Experience
Since 2021, has completed the development of several family and artist archives, each tailored to specific needs · Prior to that, held leadership positions at art institutions and festivals · Served on juries and committees.
Lectures and Presentations
Dec. 3, 2024: “Bringing Family Archives to Life: A Visual Approach to the Archives” for the Zurich Genealogical and Heraldic Society.
Oct. 18, 2025: “What Pictures Tell Us: Analyzing Visual Material in Family Archives” for the Central Swiss Society for Family Research.
May 28, 2026: “Robert S. Gessner (1908–1982). Treasures from His Archive” for the Zurich Central Library.
Presentations for various Rotary clubs and families.
Archive Projects and Media
Pauline Escher's Diary · Schindler Archive: 60 Artifacts · Publications and Lectures · Profiles: Wikipedia and LinkedIn.
Fun Fact
Together with Felix Stalder and numerous signatories from the art and culture scene, I launched Kunstfreiheit.ch in 2006 (now an archive; see Credits). In an open letter, we called for copyright law to better accommodate artistic practices such as “collage, appropriation, or remix.”
On April 14, 2026, the European Court of Justice ruled that sampling should finally be permitted, just as we had demanded back then. Were we a full 20 years too early—or was the court too late?
Culture Services – Other Services I Offer
I am happy to take on project management assignments and serve on committees for cultural institutions and organizations.
Let's get to know each other.
In a brief, free initial consultation, we'll assess the current situation, set goals, and determine the best next steps.