Urs Stahel, born in 1953, lives and works in Zurich. He studied German Linguistics and Literature, General History and Philosophy at the University of Zurich. He began as an editor and art critic for supplements and art magazines, among others Du, Weltwoche and Art Magazine.
In 1993, with Walter Keller and George Reinhart, he co-founded Fotomuseum Winterthur, which, in the 20 years under his leadership, has evolved into one of the most important photography institutions.
Today, the internationally active photography specialist is a freelance curator, author and lecturer. His posts include lecturer at Zurich Arts University and curator at MAST, the new industrial culture centre in Bologna. He has curated numerous exhibitions around the world and authored publications by the best-known photo artists. In addition to group shows and thematically curated exhibitions, Urs Stahel has realised numerous solo exhibitions on wellknown and renowned photographers and artists, including Paul Graham, Andreas Gursky, Roni Horn, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Zoe Leonard and Boris Mikhailov.
In addition, Urs Stahel has been a member of numerous juries and award committees, such as the Hasselblad Award, the Deutsche Börse Prize, the Spectrum Award, the Canadian Aimia AGO Photography Prize or the GD4Photoart Award.

In the video-documentation referring to the exhibition project [7P] - [7] Places [7] Precarious Fields, Urs Stahel talks about the challenge of equipping 4.000 sq. m of exhibition space. In a time in which photography is omnipresent, the renowned curator explains the importance of photo-exhibitions as rooms of contemplation.

In June 2015, the major Prix Meret Oppenheim was awarded to Urs Stahel.
According to the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, the award "distinguishes life works of cultural relevance which have a lasting influence on the way we perceive and confront art and architecture. The award-winners' work represents a broadening of cultural dialogue in Switzerland and, not uncommonly, far beyond the country's borders."