Job Title: Curator
Employer: Gasworks, 155 Vauxhall Street, London, SE11 5RH
Reports to: Director and Managing Director
Responsible for: Programmes Manager
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours of work: 9.30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday
Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Start date: Contract starting March / April 2023 with 6 months’ probation
Deadline for applications: Monday 23rd January 2023, 10am
Purpose of the job
The Curator is responsible for planning and delivering the artistic programmes for Gasworks in consultation with the Director. The Curator is responsible for overall development of Gasworks’ artistic programme including: exhibitions, residencies, public programme, international fellowships and occasional off-site projects. The role includes curatorial research, advocacy and fundraising.
The Curator is expected to work in conjunction with the Programmes Manager to oversee the practical side of exhibitions’ installs, open studios and events. The Curator is also responsible for developing a cohesive programme of public activities to accompany Gasworks’ programmes.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Research and programming
- Contribute to the ongoing development of a strategic plan for the overall artistic programme, building on potential cross-overs and synergy between the various artistic strands of Gasworks to deliver ambitious and innovative projects
- Research ideas and artists for exhibitions, commissions, residencies, fellowships and public programme in conjunction with the Director and in line with the mission and vision of Gasworks. Develop activities that showcase Triangle Network within Gasworks’ artistic programme
- Develop and maintain partnerships with other institutions for collaborative projects
- Undertake research trips in the UK and abroad when relevant to the programmes
Management and deliveryof the Artistic Programme
- Work closely with the Director to develop Gasworks exhibitions, residencies, fellowships and related projects to the highest possible standard, including working with colleagues to deliver commissions, events and open studios on time and on budget
- Support visiting artists during their time at Gasworks by engaging with their work and providing links and contacts to support the development of their practice
- Oversee exhibition logistics including managing loans, transport, insurance and condition-checking of art works
- Manage the various programme budgets in conjunction with the Managing Director.
- Line manage the Programmes Manager. Appoint and manage interns and technicians.
Fundraising and Reporting to Funders
- Work closely with the Director and Managing Director to develop a fundraising strategy for the artistic programme and research potential funders
- Advocate for the organisation and contribute to patrons and fundraising events
- Prepare funding proposals and liaise with funders
- Cultivates new relationships with potential donors and maintain regular contact with existing donors to secure donation
- Take responsibility for producing reports
Communications and Audience Development
- Work closely with the Director and Communications Manager in devising a Communications strategy for the artistic programme
- Develop a timeline for marketing in conjunction with the Communications Manager
- Write press releases for exhibitions, residencies and related events
- Contribute to maintaining the relevant sections of websites
- Contribute to grown and maintaining Gasworks’ mailing list
- Represent Gasworks and Triangle Network during different occasions and events
- Build relations with press to ensure wide dissemination of the organisations’ activities
General
- Actively seek to implement Gasworks Equal opportunities policies, financial procedures and health and safety policies
- Contribute to and participate in a collaborative working environment, including weekly team discussions and other conversations
This Job Description is a guide to the nature of the work required. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and does not form part of the contract of employment.
Person Specification
Required
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- 3-5 years’ proven track record of leading curatorial projects and commissioning new work
- Knowledge of contemporary arts and curatorial practices, with a strong interest in international artists and debates, particularly outside Western parameters
- Experience of working directly with artists, supporting them in the development of their research or the creation of new work
- Experience of working in collaboration with peers and institutions
- A proven track record of fundraising
- Experience of setting and monitoring budgets
- Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent ability to multi-task, delegate and prioritise within a busy working environment
- Strong ability to build team-spirit in the work place
- Confident working independently but also as part of a small team
- Experience of managing staff
Desirable
- Experience of working in a small scale arts organisation
- Interest in research-based artistic practice
