Curatorial Research Residency
Generation Landscape: JMW Turner
Location: Hybrid (with travel as required)
Contract Type: Freelance
Start Date: June 2026
Fee: £5,000 (inclusive of £2,200 research travel allowance)
Deadline: 10am on Monday 27 April 2026
About the Residency
Turner Contemporary is seeking an early-career curator or researcher for a Curatorial Research Residency, supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art as part of the Generation Landscape research programme.
The residency will support original, in-depth curatorial research towards up to two Turner-related displays to be realised at Turner Contemporary over the next few years. Particular interest is given to proposals that offer a fresh, contemporary perspective on J. M. W. Turner, with new thinking on Turner’s relationship to Margate and the town’s ongoing cultural, social, and environmental significance.
Working closely with Turner Contemporary’s curatorial team, the appointed curator will be encouraged to develop new research directions, challenge established narratives and explore how historical scholarship can speak meaningfully to contemporary audiences.
The £5,000 fee includes an allowance of £2,200 to support research travel to the Yale Center for British Art, mentoring from Amy Concannon, and participation in a programme of events and funded research symposium that helps keep Turner at the heart of the gallery.
Residency Activities
The residency will involve:
- Undertaking original research on Turner, landscape, and place, with a focus on new interpretations of Turner and Margate
- Developing curatorial thinking towards two future Turner and Margate displays at Turner Contemporary
- Archival and collections research, including at Tate and the Yale Center for British Art
- Working collaboratively with Turner Contemporary staff to translate research into accessible, public-facing displays and programmes
- Participation in the Generation Landscape research programme
- Contribution to interpretation and public research workshop or symposium
- Collaboration with the Marketing & Comms team to develop a collection of media assets that can be used to document the research and curatorial process online
Who This Is For
This opportunity is particularly suited to:
- Early-career curators or researchers looking to develop their practice through sustained research
- Applicants with a strong interest in British art, landscape, and exhibition-making
- Those keen to pursue original research questions and bring fresh perspectives to historic material
- Curators interested in collaboration, and working within a major public gallery context
How to Apply
Deadline: 10am on Monday 27 April 2026
Contract Type: Freelance
Start Date: Spring 2026
Interviews: Expected to take place on Monday 11 March
Application Requirements
1. CV
The CV should outline relevant skills, employment history, freelance practice and qualifications.
2. Cover Letter (250–500 words)
The cover letter should clearly demonstrate how skills, knowledge and experience meet the responsibilities and person specification outlined above.
3. Research Proposal (maximum 500 words)
The proposal should demonstrate originality, methodological approach and feasibility within the scope of the residency.
4. Portfolio of Previous Work
Include examples of relevant curatorial, research or exhibition projects.
5. Two Referees
Provide contact details for two referees. References will only be taken up with prior consent.
