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  August 12, 2026 United Kingdom
Curator, Jobs 24 days left

Curator

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Aspex Portsmouth – Curator

Application deadline: Monday, 7 September 2026
Position type: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility including job share partnerships considered
Salary: £28,000
Eligibility: At least 3 years of experience working within a gallery, arts organisation, or with a professional freelance curatorial practice
Work permit / citizenship: Not specified. The legal right to work in the UK is likely required. Please check with the employer.

About the Role

Aspex Portsmouth is seeking a Curator to take responsibility for programming, fundraising, delivery, and evaluation of the gallery’s seasonal programme of exhibitions, projects, residencies, artist support activities, and associated events on and off-site. The role also involves overseeing the Crafts & Retail aspects of business development and contributing fully to audience development. The Curator will line-manage the Crafts & Retail Co-ordinator, freelance staff, interns, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Development

  • Initiate and develop exhibitions and projects, including researching potential artists for the programme on and off-site
  • Research new opportunities for programme development
  • Develop an artist support programme and residencies
  • Collaborate with the Creative Engagement Manager to develop a programme of exhibitions in the Communal space
  • Work with the staff team to plan and deliver audience development events
  • Research and identify appropriate sources of funding for the programme
  • Work with the Director to make funding applications
  • Promote and maintain productive relations with external organisations (funding bodies, organisations, and galleries)
  • Represent Aspex Portsmouth through attendance at events, talks, tours, meetings, seminars, and conferences
  • Oversee the development of Crafts & Retail as an income-generating aspect of the business

Management of Delivery

  • Organise and administer all aspects of the exhibition programme, including liaison with artists, other galleries and agencies, transportation, insurance, and preparation of contracts
  • Manage all aspects of project delivery and installation (including condition checking), supported by freelance technicians and volunteers
  • Prepare copy, images, and video for exhibition promotion and interpretative materials, working closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager
  • Organise documentation, evaluation, and archiving of materials for all projects, including activity data for seasonal reports and ACE submissions
  • Manage the Arts Programme budget and oversee the Crafts & Retail budget
  • Train and support volunteers to undertake tasks
  • Identify and undertake suitable opportunities for professional development
  • Support office administration as relevant
  • Be part of the rota of Duty Managers during daytime opening and regular special events including evenings and weekends

Requirements:

Essential

  • At least 3 years of experience working within a gallery, arts organisation, or with a professional freelance curatorial practice
  • Significant experience of working with artists
  • Curating/producing art projects
  • Writing texts about art for general audiences
  • Handling and installation of artworks
  • Managing budgets and preparing monthly budget monitoring reports
  • Fundraising experience
  • Good knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary visual art
  • Ability to contribute creatively to the programme
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Familiarity with the UK arts funding system
  • Excellent organisation skills with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines
  • Excellent administrative skills, including working knowledge of Google Workspace
  • Excellent IT skills
  • Demonstrable numeracy skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to be self-motivated and act on own initiative, manage own time and prioritise workloads
  • Ability to work productively and positively within a team, with a proactive and supportive approach to managing staff, volunteers, and interns
  • Flexible and adaptable with the changing needs of the organisation
  • Good knowledge and understanding of customer care and Health & Safety

Desirable

  • Negotiating contracts
  • Managing people
  • Working with diverse teams
  • Hold a UK driving licence

What the Post Offers:

  • A competitive salary of £28,000
  • Flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal/caring responsibilities and artistic practices
  • Job share partnerships considered
  • A Macbook provided for working at Aspex and from home
  • Support with an Access to Work application for practical support, travel, or mental health support
  • Relocation budget of up to £1,000 available (discuss at interview)
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • A supportive and inclusive working environment

 
This call has been edited for formatting purposes. Please visit the link below to view the full listing and application process.

Image credits: Via Aspex Portsmouth website