Job Opportunity: Curator – Art on the Underground
Transport for London (TfL) | Art on the Underground
Location: Palestra House, 197 Blackfriars Rd, Southwark, London SE1 8NJ (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: 27 April 2025 at 23:59 BST
Salary Range: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum (Band 2, DOE)
Apply via: TfL Careers Portal (Job ID 047806) — upload a PDF CV and two-page cover letter
Overview of project/role
Art on the Underground invites artists to create projects for London’s Underground that are seen by millions of people each day, changing the way people experience their city. The programme incorporates a range of projects – live performance works, temporary commissions and major permanent works – producing critically acclaimed artworks that are accessible to all.
Since its inception, Art on the Underground has presented commissions by UK-based and international artists including Heather Phillipson, Yayoi Kusama, Claudette Johnson, and Mark Wallinger, allowing the programme to remain at the forefront of contemporary debate on how art can shape public space.
The programme is delivered by a dedicated team led by the Head of Art on the Underground. There is an exciting opportunity to join the team as Curator working on this internationally recognised visual arts programme.
Key Accountabilities
- Oversee the development and delivery of art commissions on TfL’s network, with effective planning, ownership and design of events and launches.
- Lead the day-to-day work on major artwork commissions, ensuring collaboration between the Art on the Underground team on specific projects, the CISE (Customer Insight, Strategy and Experience team) and more widely in TfL in order to deliver all project objectives.
- Contribute to the development of the overall Art on the Underground programme, reflecting the cultural vibrancy and diversity of London.
- Collaborate effectively with the Visual Art Producer in scoping, planning and implementing a wide variety of art commissions projects.
- Plan and implement communication to the rest of TfL and externally to successfully generate visitor interest and TfL staff support.
- Propose and initiate new commissions, projects and activity as appropriate, operating within TfL strategic objectives, Mayoral policy agendas and reflecting on contemporary culture.
- Develop creative and reflective engagement programmes for customers, other Londoners and TfL staff which expand on artwork commissions, bringing new audiences and new ideas to the fore.
- Proactively develop positive, collaborative working relationships with all areas of the business and liaise with participating artists and external collaborators.
- Active in monitoring, driving, updating and reporting on programme risks, progress and project implementation as projects develop.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to utilise skills to influence others and present convincing arguments.
- Ability to work under tight time constraints in an environment of high expectation and pressure
- Ability to engage with operational staff to understand how cultural projects can enhance our customers experience of LU
- Good influencing and negotiating skills
- Some ability to develop and manage a prioritised work programme based to time and cos
Knowledge
- Substantial relevant work experience in a similar field
- Knowledge of public transport issues in general and the structure of the public transport industry in London.
- Knowledge of the characteristics of the London travel market and the different customer groups.
- An appreciation of relevant national and corporate standards, guidelines and processes.
- An appreciation of financial reporting and cost control processes
- Knowledge of contemporary art practice, artists and musicians
- Knowledge of project delivery, and how to develop a prioritised workplan
Experience
- Experience in coordinating cultural programmes
- Understanding of the impact of Cultural activity on business processes
- Experience of delivering a prioritised work programme, and planning accordingly
- Experience of analysing different data and information sources and producing targeted management information reports
- Experience of working collaboratively, efficiently and consistently and with a flexible approach
Application Process
- Please apply using your CV. PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
- Please apply using your CV and a two page covering letter. Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience in the advert and cover this in your CV and cover letter.
The closing date for applications is 27th April 2025 @ 23:59
We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
Benefits
In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
- Final salary pension scheme
- Free travel for you on the TfL network
- Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket
- 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
- TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
- Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional)
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
- Discounted Eurostar travel
