UP Projects takes a positive action approach to recruitment, and we encourage applications from people with backgrounds currently underrepresented within our organisation to apply. We are particularly interested in hearing from people from the Global Majority, the LGBTQIA+ community, and who identify as coming from a low socio-economic background.
As a curator, you will:
Project Development
- Develop and execute strategic commissions and projects in collaboration with artists, partners, and community members.
- Engage in research and critical thinking to inform our broader program and learning initiatives.
Specific Responsibilities
- UP Projects Commission: Collaborate with the Founder & Artistic Director, Senior Curator, and lead artist to deliver a national touring commission focused on environmental sustainability. This includes a community collaboration program with local artists in multiple venues across the country, requiring some national travel.
- Digital Commissions: Provide curatorial support for UP Projects’ annual digital commissions, including artist and partner liaison and guidance for commission delivery.
- Thematic Research: Conduct thematic research and create artist longlists to support the development of new commissions, Constellations (our learning & development program), project proposals, or fundraising opportunities.
- Team Collaboration: Attend and actively contribute to weekly team and program meetings.
Contributions to UP Projects
- Foster a professional working and learning environment within the organization.
- Stay updated on contemporary art practices and critical thinking related to art in public spaces and social practice.
- Share insights and learning acquired through your work with the team.
- Promote a collaborative work style.
- Uphold UP Projects’ values when working with artists, partners, communities, and audiences.
Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Minimum two years’ experience in curating and producing visual arts projects or commissions in the public domain.
- Established socially engaged practice.
- Strong research, planning, budgeting, and timeline management skills.
- Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to interact confidently with a diverse range of artists, communities, and partners, both in-person and online.
- Effective team player with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proficient in IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications, internet usage, and databases.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness and ability to occasionally work outside of regular office hours (compensated with time off).
- Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic team of public art, learning, and engagement specialists.
- Involvement in projects with social relevance, community engagement, learning, and enrichment of the public sphere.
- Professional development plan with training and mentoring opportunities.
- Eligibility to join UP Projects’ pension scheme after a three-month probationary period.
- Access to new professional networks through project involvement.
- Shared office space and work laptop.
Terms
- Line Management: Report to UP Project’s Founder & Artistic Director.
- Salary: £30,000 pro rata (equivalent to £12,000 per annum when working two days per week).
- Hours: 10am to 6pm (flexible working arrangements negotiable).
- Holidays: 25 days holiday pro rata per annum (equivalent to 10 days per annum when working two days per week) plus an additional day on your Birthday, excluding bank holidays.
- Contract: Fixed-term contract for one calendar year.
- Notice Period: Eight weeks.
- Location: UP Projects operates from a shared office space at Work + Play, 111 Seven Sisters Rd, Finsbury Park, London N7 7FN, with in-person meetings twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Remote work is also possible with a stipend provided. If preferred, arrangements for more frequent office work can be made.
