Cubitt Curatorial Fellowship 2015-16

Cubitt is an independent charitable organisation, consisting of a public Gallery providing unique development opportunities for curators, a large-­‐scale, grassroots Education and Community Programme and the provision of affordable artists studios in central London. Since its founding in 1991, Cubitt has run as a co-­‐operative led by 32 practicing artists; a diverse creative community involving practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and at various stages in their careers.

For its 10th anniversary, the Curatorial Bursary is renamed Cubitt Curatorial Fellowship, to reflect important new developments for the Fellow and the institution at large, increased support from Arts Council England and a new progression phase for Cubitt. Unique in UK, the Cubitt Curatorial Fellowship is a pioneering model and one of the major platforms for curatorial development in Europe, leading Cubitt’s reputation as an experimental, artist-­‐led institution for nurturing and showcasing emerging practice.

The Fellowship provides an opportunity for training and professional development, while significantly contributing to the institution’s growth and long-­‐term vision. Former Cubitt curators have progressed on to hold significant positions in some of the world’s most exciting spaces for contemporary art both nationally and internationally.

Description

Dates: July 2015 -­‐ December 2016
Salary: £25,000 pro-­‐rata for 3.5 days/week minimum on site
Reports to: Cubitt Gallery Committee
Application deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 14 April 2015
Interviews date: Friday 24 April 2015

The Cubitt Fellowship offers the opportunity to curate one of the UK’s most established artist-­‐led spaces. The Curatorial Fellow will develop a programme of exhibitions and events across a fixed period of 18 months, building on our strong reputation for innovative and challenging work. For the last two decades, Cubitt has introduced emerging or overlooked artistic talent to a diverse audience; it has provided an important platform for artists working in the UK and for international artists to exhibit in London, presenting projects that acknowledge, represent, reflect and comment on our geographical, historical, political and social environment. In addition, the Fellow will contribute to a wider programme of initiatives and events –including fundraising-­‐ to support and promote the organisation.

Structure
The Fellowship comprises an initial three-­‐month research period, during which the successful applicant will develop their programme in conversation with the Gallery Projects and Development Manager and the Cubitt Gallery Committee. Following the research period, the Fellow will work closely with the Gallery Projects and Development Manager to deliver the programme, meeting regularly with the Gallery Committee and attending quarterly meetings of the Cubitt Board of Trustees. The Gallery Committee is drawn from the membership of Cubitt Artists; Cubitt Studio Holders are not permitted to show their work in the Gallery.

Main Responsibilities

Programming
·∙ To develop and implement a complete gallery programme across an 18-­‐month period comprising solo and group exhibitions; talks and events; web content; publications; touring and other associated projects.
·∙ To work with artists, galleries, institutions and designers to ensure that exhibitions are delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard.
·∙ To work closely with the Gallery Projects and Development Manager on all aspects of exhibition administration, developing and adhering to budgets for each activity.
·∙ To understand and implement the organisation’s equal opportunities and cultural diversity policies at all times, while embracing the ethics of an artist-­‐led institution.

Fundraising
·∙ To research and secure funding for all programmed exhibitions and projects, in collaboration with the Gallery Projects and Development Manager and with support from the Gallery Committee and trustees as appropriate.
·∙ To contribute to Cubitt’s established relationships with funding bodies (including Arts Council England and Outset Contemporary Art Fund).
·∙ To contribute to the Cubitt’s Supporters Group for the promotion and long-­‐term development of the organisation, through fundraising events and other initiatives.

Marketing and Audience Development
·∙ To promote Cubitt and the Gallery programme at national and international levels, acting as ambassador for the institution and raising awareness of Cubitt’s position within an established network of independent exhibition spaces. ·∙ To write press releases and other publicity material (both printed and digital) adhering to strict deadlines, and ensuring adequate press coverage.
·∙ To work towards increasing numbers and range of visitors to the Gallery and the website, as well as on social media.

Institutional Goals
·∙ To assist the international Resident artist with studio visits and networking within the London scene.
·∙ To nurture Cubitt’s local, national and international partnerships and forge new ones, working on all areas of interest to the Curatorial Fellowship.
·∙ To contribute to Cubitt as an institution, and its long-­‐term goals.
·∙ To understand, embrace and promote the ethos of Cubitt.

Person Specification

Experience
·∙ Experience of organising, producing and delivering exhibitions, events and talks, either independently, within a gallery, or as a part of a group.
·∙ Experience of fundraising, both public and private, for exhibitions and events.
·∙ Educated to degree level; must be out of formal education for at least 12 months.
·∙ Experience of writing for publications is desirable.

Knowledge
·∙ Excellent awareness of contemporary visual art and culture, both nationally and internationally.
·∙ Engagement with a broad range of curatorial strategies and a strong understanding of current trends within the discipline.
·∙ Knowledge of the national and international visual arts funding environment.
·∙ A good knowledge of independent exhibition spaces in London, the UK and Europe.
·∙ Understanding the principle of equal opportunities and cultural diversity.
·∙ Understanding the workings of an artist-­‐led institution and an appreciation of co-­‐ operative working ethics is desirable.

Skills

Project Management
·∙ Ability to work in a small team with the Gallery Projects and Development Manager, Education Co-­‐Directors, the Cubitt Gallery Committee, and the members of Cubitt Artists (studio holders), as well as students on work placement.
·∙ Ability to manage multiple projects and oversee their planning and completion in all stages and to high standards.
·∙ Ability to prioritise a varied workload by setting and achieving targets.
·∙ Evaluation skills and ability to give and receive appropriate feedback.
·∙ Familiarity with setting and managing budgets.
·∙ Familiarity with exhibition displays and the ability to source/develop cost-­‐effective alternatives while maintaining high standards.
·∙ A hands-­‐on, problem-­‐solving and collaborative approach is essential.

Communication

·∙ Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and relate to a wide range of people, including studio holders, gallery and education staff, trustees, funding organisations, critics, curators and sponsors.
·∙ Ability to communicate effectively and relate to Cubitt’s audiences, receiving visitors and groups to the Gallery, providing appropriate information as and when necessary.
·∙ Ability to present information and ideas in a form accessible to a broad audience, including press releases and marketing materials for all aspects of the programme; funding applications, pitches and other suitable approaches.
·∙ Experience and understanding of marketing and the ability to publicise the Gallery’s activities in order to increase visitor figures, funding opportunities and overall profile.
·∙ Working knowledge of using images for press and publication including crediting and copyright issues.

IT & Exhibition Technology
·∙ Excellent understanding of Mac computers, MS Windows, MS Office packages, Photoshop, WordPress and social networking including Facebook and Twitter.
·∙ Essential knowledge of AV and other equipment is an advantage.

Current and former Cubitt Curatorial Bursary holders
Fatima Hellberg (Jan 2014 – June 2015) Artistic Director, Künstlerhaus Stuttgart
Jamie Stevens (Jun 2012 – Dec 2013) Curator and Head of Programs, CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Art, San Francisco
Fiona Parry (Dec 2010 – May 2012) Programme Curator, Turner Contemporary, Margate
Michelle Cotton (Apr 2009 –Nov 2010) Director, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn
Bart van der Heide (Oct 2007 – Mar 2009) Chief Curator, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
Tom Morton (Apr 2006 – Aug 2007) Former curator, Hayward Gallery, London and Co-­‐ Curator, the British Art Show 7
David Bussel (Sept 2004 – Feb 2006), Freelance curator and writer
Emily Pethick (Mar 2003 – Aug 2004) Director, The Showroom, London
Polly Staple (Jul 2001 – Jan 2003) Director, Chisenhale Gallery, London