Job Title: Curator
Responsible to: Chief Curator
Responsible for: Interns and student placements
Salary: £27,000 – £29,000 p/a (depending on experience)
Term: Full-time, permanent contract (35 hours p/w)
At Nottingham Contemporary, we believe in the power of contemporary art to inspire, challenge and transform. Our exhibitions, events and learning programmes offer opportunities for people to encounter, experience and participate in contemporary art and culture.
Our vision is to be a leading international contemporary art gallery, known for our innovative exhibitions, live programmes and engagement with the community. We aim to be a space where art connects, bridging conversations across our city and around the world, nurturing and shaping the future of art and ideas.
Our mission is to be a home for collaboration. Everything we do is collaborative. We believe art can be a prism for better understanding the world and each other.
Our values of being brave, open, hopeful and resourceful reflect our commitment to promote diversity, equity and access in the arts. We are not afraid to take risks, embrace new ideas and question the status quo. We are open to different perspectives and believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Our hope is that contemporary art will inspire people to imagine a better world, and our resourcefulness allows us to find creative solutions to the challenges we face.
Nottingham Contemporary has presented more than 80 exhibitions of international art since opening in 2009. Our ambitious exhibitions empower different perspectives into the most pressing social, cultural and political questions of today.
We support artists at different stages of their careers, from presenting first-time solo shows in the UK, to surveys of internationally renowned figures. We commission major new works, with many of our exhibitions touring nationally and internationally. Our large-scale, research-led thematic exhibitions often bring art into dialogue with music, design, architecture, film and other disciplines.
Objectives:
- Work closely with the Director, Chief Curator and Assistant Curator to shape, produce and deliver exhibitions, commissions, project-related events and cross-departmental collaborations, in dialogue with the Learning, Live Programmes and Technical teams
- Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Exhibitions Department
Key Responsibilities:
Curatorial research & development
- Connect with the interests of our local communities, building significant relationships in the city, and connecting with current international debates
- Keep abreast of developments in national and international contemporary art, actively participating in contemporary art world events to develop working relationships
- Research ideas and contribute approaches to the programme and its strategic development
- Work in collaboration with the Live Programmes and Learning teams to identify and develop opportunities for integrated programming
Exhibition production, project management & delivery
- Lead on up to two curatorial projects per year, from conception to realisation, as directed by the Chief Curator
- Support the coordination and delivery of projects initiated by the Director and Chief Curator
- Work closely in collaboration with the Assistant Curator to ensure the efficient and environmentally responsible operation of the Exhibitions Department, evaluating and revising processes as necessary in dialogue with the Chief Curator
- Manage the planning and scheduling of all stages of the exhibition process, in liaison with the Curatorial and Technical teams and other departments as necessary. This includes: research, liaison and management of loan requests; drafting contracts with exhibiting artists and external partners; coordinating the production and technical aspects of exhibition delivery, including researching and liaising with fabricators and sub-contractors, and installation and de-installation of exhibitions, in dialogue with the Technical team; and coordinating art handling, transport and insurance in collaboration with the Assistant Curator.
- Monitor and maintain project income and expenditure budgets set by the Chief Curator, including researching draft budgets and managing quarterly budget reconciliations. Ensure projects are delivered within available budget.
- Coordinate the administration of touring exhibitions and commissions
- Write exhibition texts and copy for interpretation, website, marketing materials and other platforms
- Manage hospitality arrangements for exhibitions
- Ensure exhibitions are fully documented for archival purposes, and maintain exhibition archives and files (both paper and electronic)
- Work with the Assistant Curator and Audiences team to produce exhibition resources and implement accessibility measures
- Risk-assess and coordinate safeguarding discussions for exhibitions, liaising with H&S officers, Facilities Manager, Chief Curator, Head of Audiences and Head of Learning
- Assist the Chief Curator in ensuring other teams, including Visitor Services, Front of House and Gallery Assistants, are well-informed about Nottingham Contemporary’s future programme
Fundraising, evaluation & partnerships
- Fundraise for the Exhibitions programme, researching opportunities (trusts, foundations, sponsors and individual supporters) and writing applications, with support from the Development Manager and Assistant Curator
- Assist the Development Manager in drafting patrons’ documents related to the artistic programme
- Liaise with the Director and Development Manager to steward patrons and benefactors, as appropriate
- Represent the organisation by giving presentations, tours and introductions to groups of patrons, partners and supporters.
- Manage reporting and evaluation to lenders, partners and funders
- Support the Director and Chief Curator in developing and maintaining partnerships with museums, galleries and other organisations
General
- Manage the administration of unsolicited exhibitions proposals
- Coordinate the production of exhibition catalogues and associated publicity material
- Manage internships and apprenticeships, including the recruitment process, training and line-management
- Contribute to the training and professional development of the Assistant Curator
- Coordinate and participate in project meetings, staff meetings, training, employee forums, working groups and others as appropriate
- Represent Nottingham Contemporary at local, regional and national forums, as appropriate, acting as an advocate for Nottingham Contemporary’s values and mission
- Carry out duties in accordance with Nottingham Contemporary’s Equal Opportunities, Access and Inclusion, Employment, Environmental, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding policies
Skills Required:
- Experience of commissioning and organising exhibitions from planning to delivery, including experience of registrar duties
- Ability to manage projects, including relationships, timelines and budgets, with good administrative and planning skills
- Experience of monitoring and controlling project budgets
- Track record of working on numerous projects at the same time with meticulous attention to detail.
- Proven experience of building strong relationships with artists, and working with galleries, institutions, partners and funders
- Experience of public arts sector funding and completing successful fundraising bids. Interest in developing relationships with patrons and benefactors.
- Experience of developing and project managing publications, related print and interpretative material
- Sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary art and of cultural and socio-political debates both nationally and internationally
- An energetic and collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to needs
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and accuracy in editing and proof reading.
- Working knowledge of IT including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SketchUp
- A proven commitment to environmental responsibility and access, equity and inclusion
Terms & Benefits
Hours
This is a full-time permanent position and contracted hours of work will be 35 hours (5 days) per week, excluding an unpaid lunch break of one hour per full day worked. Some evenings and weekend work may be required, compensated as time off in lieu.
Pay
The salary will be £27,000 – £29,000 per annum (depending on experience).
Annual Leave
Your annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum, plus bank/public holidays and pro-rata for a part-time role.
Place of work
Most of the work is based in Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross. We are open to flexible working arrangements, but we would encourage you to work at least two days per week in the office.
Probation
All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, further details of which will be provided when an offer of employment is made or are available on request. The probation period for this post is 6 months.
Pension
A pension scheme is provided by The People’s Pension.
Benefits
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. As an employer we offer:
- Flexible working options (e.g. home-working and accommodating shifts where possible)
- 25 days holiday pro rata (plus bank and public holidays)
- Statutory Maternity Leave & Pay with opportunity for Enhanced Maternity Pay
- A pension scheme provided by The People’s Pension
- Training and networking opportunities
- Staff discount in our shop and on-site Café
- An employee consultation body, our Employee Forum
- Employee health and welfare service including access to a free, independent and confidential employee assistance programme
- Sick pay and compassionate leave
- Recognised Union representation
How to apply
Nottingham Contemporary is committed to providing equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all individuals for advertised jobs that match their skills and interests.
The job description outlines the role purpose and key accountabilities of the post as well as the experience, knowledge and skills that we are looking for. You should make sure that you meet all the essential criteria and demonstrate this through your application.
Equality Monitoring
We ask candidates to provide equality monitoring information so that we can monitor Nottingham Contemporary’s equality policy and practices. The information you provide will not impact on the consideration of your application and will be used solely for the purpose of monitoring. We will send a link to the Equality Monitoring Form once we have received your application.
How to Apply
To apply please access our application form via our website and send completed applications to recruitment@nottinghamcontemporary.org or by post to Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Nottingham, NG1 2GB.
Please note that we do not accept CVs and all applications must be submitted via our online application form.
During the screening process, we use competency and experience-based questions during interviews to help us make fair and transparent decisions.
Due to the high number of applications that we receive, we will only be in contact with those who have been shortlisted for interview. We regret that we cannot offer individual feedback on all applications received. If shortlisted, we will contact you within 10 days of the application deadline to arrange an interview which will be held in person at Nottingham Contemporary or by video call with a panel of 2–3 staff members.
Applications must be completed and submitted by Monday 10 April, 5pm.
For any queries about the application process, please email recruitment@nottinghamcontemporary.org or call 0115 948 9750.
