Reports to: Director of Exhibitions
Department: Exhibitions and Loans
Line Management: None
Principal Location: South Kensington
Hours: 36 per week
Salary: £35,561 – £41,488
Contract: Fixed-term, 22 months (January 2026 – October 2027)
About the role
The main purpose of the Exhibition Project Curator role is to coordinate research and other activities associated with the project, supporting the creative vision set out by the Lead Curator, and helping to develop and deliver the exhibition and accompanying publication.
- Undertake a wide range of research tasks for the exhibition as directed by the Lead Curator. This will include research on subject areas, collections, archives or objects (including music and film), relevant to the exhibition, and the management of the research programme across both the exhibition and publication.
- Contribute to the development of the structure, themes and content of the exhibition, developing research subjects as required. With the Lead Curator, write exhibition texts and labels.
- Assist with the process of object selection, identifying relevant public and private collections. This will involve making arrangements for, and undertaking, research trips as necessary; developing and maintaining excellent relationships with lenders; initiating the loan request process with the support of the Exhibition Manager.
- Organise and maintain local paper and electronic records for the object list and all other aspects of the project as directed by the Lead Curator. Create and update entries and object movements on the V&A’s Collection Management System. Manage the process for any objects acquired by the V&A for the exhibition.
- With the Lead Curator, deliver the accompanying publication. This will involve researching and writing text, alongside editing, proofreading, compiling bibliographies, illustration lists, object checklists, timelines, captions, and any relevant end matter. Liaise with contributing authors and the V&A Publishing Team as required.
- Work with the Lead Curator and Exhibitions Manager on all aspects of research, selection, acquisition and permissions for contextual images, music, audio and audio-visual material selected for the exhibition. Create and maintain an Excel spreadsheet for tracking permissions and copyrights as needed. Facilitate and support the commissioning of films, and development of interactive, interpretive material for use in the exhibition.
- Support the Lead Curator in presenting curatorial reviews of the exhibition, and periodically reporting progress to the Exhibition Steering Group.
- Support the Exhibition Curator and Exhibition Manager with partnerships and ventures both within the V&A and with other external organisations where necessary, including academic partners, lenders, sponsors and members of the Press.
- Work collaboratively with the appointed designers. With the Lead Curator, write a curatorial brief for the designers, and assist with aspects of briefing and provision of information to the designers (including 3D, 2D, lighting and audio-visual).
- Work collaboratively with the V&A’s Exhibitions department on content, budget and programme. Attend Project Team meetings. Liaise with all other relevant sections of the V&A on behalf of the Exhibition Curator as and when necessary, including Conservation, Learning, Development, Marketing, Press, Digital Media, Events, Commercial and Publications.
- Provide support on the delivery of any other V&A exhibitions, in South Kensington or internationally.
What V&A is looking for
- Demonstrable expertise and research experience in Southeast Indian kalamkari, including its intersections with art history, design history, and Southeast Indian cultures. An ability to carry out research independently.
- Experience of planning and delivering a temporary exhibition, permanent display, scholarly research projects, or similar related projects or events.
- Curatorial skills and experience, or relevant transferable skills and experience, including knowledge of the needs of different audiences and a commitment to providing for these through publications, lectures, gallery talks and the creation of new displays and online material.
- Experience of writing, proofreading and editing texts for publication; experience of picture and audio-visual research, including copyright clearances.
- Significant interpersonal and consultative skills, including the ability to communicate, present, negotiate, influence and build credibility with colleagues and external parties.
- Experience of using MS Office and other relevant IT systems to an intermediate / advanced level.
- Significant experience of managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple complex issues and tasks in a changing environment with tight deadlines.
- Respects others’ expertise, time, perspectives and contribution. Takes responsibility for delivering on actions, achieving high standards and learning from mistakes.
- Open to change, new ideas and suggestions; looks for opportunities for improvement and self-development.
- Works with others outside their own department in a collaborative, understanding and engaging way.
- Actively leads and manages others, taking ownership of corporate decisions and role-modelling positive behaviours.
- Shares the organisation’s Values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration & Generosity.
- It would also be desirable to have: Telugu or Tamil language skills.
