Associate Curator
Organisation: Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery
Location: Hull, UK
Salary: £28,000–£31,000 per annum pro rata
Reports to: CEO & Creative Director
Contract: 0.4 FTE Fixed-Term Contract
Start date: July 2026
End date: December 2027
Application deadline: Thursday 25 June 2026, 10am (BST)
Interview date: Monday 6 July 2026
About the Role
After 5 years in post, Curator Becky Gee will take a career break to complete her PhD from Teesside University and MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art). Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery is seeking a brilliant Associate Curator to join the organisation during this period.
Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery is at a pivotal moment in its near 45-year history. During the period of engagement for this post, the organisation will mark ten years since Hull’s extraordinary year as UK City of Culture and celebrate its 45th anniversary of serving artists and audiences in Hull while looking ahead to its 50th year. The organisation will also be planning and applying to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio whilst establishing exciting strategic partnerships, co-productions and future opportunities for its work.
Purpose of Post
Working closely with the CEO, the Associate Curator will lead on the programming, planning and delivery of 87 Gallery’s visual art programme, Streams. The successful candidate will oversee the development of high-quality exhibitions, commissioning artists from under-represented backgrounds and encouraging experimentation in the production of ambitious new work.
The role will provide high-quality arts experiences for audiences, embedding dialogue and co-creation in the commissioning process and supporting the symbiotic relationship between exhibitions and learning and participation programmes.
About You
As Associate Curator, you will:
- Work closely with the CEO to maintain a coherent vision and identity for Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery, contributing to the organisation’s strategic development, vision and mission.
- Lead on the programming, planning and delivery of the visual art exhibition programme, including exhibitions, commissions and residencies.
- Work with the CEO to secure innovative strategic and producing partnerships including first-look deals, commercial exploitation and sponsorship.
- Prioritise equity and inclusion through all stages of development and delivery of the programme.
- Work as part of a small, dynamic team to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between the visual art exhibition programme and learning and participation programmes.
- Work collaboratively with guest curators, artists and partners on the visual art exhibition programme, ensuring clear communication and smooth delivery.
- Work with the General Manager to set and manage visual art exhibition budgets, ensuring the programme is delivered on budget and that financial monitoring is clear and consistent.
- Research and actively engage in the Hull art scene to identify ways in which the organisation can make meaningful contributions to the arts ecosystem and creative career pathways.
- Nurture and develop commissioned artists, supporting smooth preparation, planning and delivery, acting as primary point of contact.
- Engage with the national and international contemporary art landscape to ensure the organisation’s work is distinctive, relevant and innovative.
- Deliver all exhibition projects including insurance, transport, exhibition design and project management, ensuring all work meets high standards and legal requirements.
- Work closely with the General Manager to ensure that impact data, including attendance and participation statistics for the visual art exhibition programme, are monitored and reported on.
- Work with the Engagement Producer and freelance designers and PR representatives to develop a communications strategy, timeline and marketing content for the visual art exhibition programme.
- Work closely with the Technician to develop an engaging and attractive 87 Gallery Editions programme, generating income for the organisation.
- Work with the CEO to contribute towards funding bids including making applications and reporting on existing grants.
- Provide front-of-house and Fire Marshal cover as required.
- Attend exhibition launch nights and open days.
- Represent the organisation at external meetings, industry events and launch nights.