Location: Battersea, London, UK
Contract: Casual, fixed-term
Hours: Part-time, maximum 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE); hours will vary throughout the project
Contract period: Mid-October 2026–mid-February 2027
Salary: £25.48 per hour, including holiday pay
Application deadline: 18 September 2026, 23:59
Interviews: Expected during the week commencing 28 September 2026
The Royal College of Art is seeking an experienced and creative Biennale Curator to lead the curation and delivery of its Research Biennale, showcasing work by postgraduate research students.
This is an opportunity for a curator with strong knowledge of contemporary art and exhibition practice to develop an ambitious exhibition celebrating the breadth and quality of research taking place across the Royal College of Art.
About the Role
Working with the Postgraduate Research Biennale Exhibition Planning Team, Technical Services and colleagues across the College, the Biennale Curator will shape the exhibition’s curatorial vision, review student submissions and oversee its presentation, installation and de-installation.
The successful candidate will provide curatorial guidance to participating students and manage the logistics involved in presenting their work, ensuring appropriate standards of art handling, health and safety, and exhibition presentation.
They will also collaborate with Communications and Marketing colleagues to support publicity and public-facing activities, including the exhibition launch, talks and panel discussions.
The role offers a flexible schedule, with working hours varying across different phases of the project and increasing during key exhibition and installation periods.
Requirements
Applicants should have a postgraduate qualification in Curating, Art History, Museum Studies or a related discipline, alongside demonstrable experience of curating exhibitions and managing exhibition projects.
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong knowledge of contemporary art and exhibition practice;
- Experience in exhibition planning, installation and art handling;
- Experience managing budgets, timelines and project delivery;
- Excellent organisational and project management skills;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, artists, academics and technical teams;
- An understanding of relevant health and safety requirements; and
- The flexibility to work effectively within a variable, part-time schedule.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile Royal College of Art research exhibition and work with its community of postgraduate researchers, artists, academics and technical specialists.
