Curator
Location: Lancaster University
Organisation: Lancaster Arts
Salary: Grade 7
Contract: Full-time
Reports to: Director, Lancaster Arts
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Fixed Term – 12 months)
Closing Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
About the Organisation
Lancaster Arts is a distinctive contemporary arts organisation in the Northwest of England, based at Lancaster University. Its venues include the Great Hall, Nuffield Theatre and Peter Scott Gallery, as well as off-campus locations.
Lancaster Arts has an acclaimed reputation for the presentation, creation and development of innovative contemporary work that places art and creativity at the heart of the institution. The organisation supports artists at all stages of their careers and develops bespoke commissions that respond to regional and local contexts.
The programme spans theatre, dance, music, visual art, live art, circus, spoken word and comedy, working with partners locally, regionally and internationally. The team is committed to producing work of the highest calibre while ensuring broad public access and meaningful engagement.
Role Overview
The Curator is responsible for the visual arts programme at Lancaster Arts, working closely with the Director to shape the thematic programme across all artforms and inform future strategic plans.
The role oversees the care, maintenance and development of the University Art Collection, ensuring its sustainability and growth. The Curator sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), manages the creative team, and is responsible for the management of the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust.
Key Responsibilities
Programme & Curatorial
- Oversee the concept, planning, design and delivery of exhibitions, visual art projects and events
- Liaise with artists, institutions and funding organisations
- Work with the Director on the thematic artistic programme across all artforms
- Ensure delivery of programme within budgets
- Contribute to Arts Council England NPO applications where required
Collection & Gallery
- Oversee management of the University Art Collection, including access, study and dissemination
- Integrate the collection into exhibition planning where appropriate
- Maintain and develop the collection through acquisitions and commissions
- Ensure Museum Accreditation standards are upheld and prepare for future applications (due 2029)
- Oversee loans, transfers, exchanges and documentation
- Administer the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust
Leadership & Management
- Line-manage the creative team (Assistant Curator, Collections Support Co-ordinator)
- Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team and strategic planning
- Develop key partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Act as liaison with Estates and Facilities for gallery maintenance and development
- Work with Communications to ensure visibility of the programme
- Contribute to reporting, monitoring and KPIs
Financial & Fundraising
- Work with SLT to develop and manage budgets for the artistic programme
- Support funding applications and identify future funding needs
Strategy & Development
- Contribute to the national and international profile of the programme and collections
- Support environmental action planning and reporting
- Champion equality, diversity and inclusion in line with the Creative Case for Diversity
General
- Represent Lancaster Arts across local, regional, national and international networks
- Deputise for the Director where required
- Engage with artistic work locally, nationally and internationally
- Undertake professional development and other duties as required
