Collections Researcher (Freelance) – Going Places, Founding the Future Network, UK
Institution: The Bowes Museum, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Watts Gallery
Deadline: 31 October 2025
Location: On-site at participating venues and remote/desk-based work, UK
Contract: Freelance, to be completed by 2 February 2026
Hours: 20 days of work (flexible schedule across venues)
Fee: £5,000 (plus up to £2,500 for travel and accommodation)
Reports to: Founding the Future project team via Penelope Hines, Collections Curator, Watts Gallery
This freelance role supports the Founding the Future network, a collaboration between The Bowes Museum, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, and Watts Gallery, as part of the Art Fund’s Going Places programme. The Collections Researcher will undertake research across the three collections to inform the narrative and core content of a touring exhibition opening at Watts Gallery in January 2027.
Responsibilities
- Conduct collections research at The Bowes Museum, Russell-Cotes, and Watts Gallery to identify thematic links and contrasts
- Develop exhibition concept and core content for touring exhibitions
- Identify potential loans to enrich exhibition narratives
- Present findings to the project network and lead research discussions
- Document research thoroughly for current and future use
- Collaborate with curatorial teams at all three venues, with flexible time on-site as scheduled
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
- Extensive research experience using collections, archives, and primary sources
- Knowledge of 19th–20th century social, political, and environmental contexts
- Experience producing research for public outputs, interpretation plans, or innovative audience engagement
- Familiarity with documentation and collection management systems
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in a related subject
- Published research in a related field
- Experience in co-curation projects
