Job Title: Curator
Salary: £38,000 – £39,500 per annum, based on skills and experience
Band: Band 2
Location: Palestra House, 197 Blackfriars Rd, Southwark / Hybrid
Contract Type: Permanent
Overview of the Role
Art on the Underground invites artists to create projects for London’s Underground, seen by millions daily, changing the way people experience their city. The programme includes live performance works, temporary commissions, and major permanent works, producing acclaimed artworks accessible to all.
Since its inception, Art on the Underground has presented commissions by UK-based and international artists, including Heather Phillipson, Yayoi Kusama, Claudette Johnson, and Mark Wallinger. This keeps the programme at the forefront of contemporary debate on how art can shape public space.
There is an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Curator, working on this internationally recognised visual arts programme.
Key Accountabilities
- Oversee the development and delivery of art commissions on TfL’s network, with effective planning and event design.
- Lead the day-to-day work on major artwork commissions, ensuring collaboration within the Art on the Underground team and wider TfL teams.
- Contribute to the development of the Art on the Underground programme, reflecting London’s cultural vibrancy and diversity.
- Collaborate with the Visual Art Producer in planning and implementing various art commission projects.
- Plan and implement communication strategies to generate visitor interest and TfL staff support.
- Propose and initiate new commissions, projects, and activities aligned with TfL strategic objectives and contemporary culture.
- Develop creative engagement programmes for customers and TfL staff, expanding on artwork commissions and bringing new audiences and ideas.
- Develop positive, collaborative working relationships with all areas of the business and liaise with participating artists and external collaborators.
- Monitor, drive, update, and report on programme risks, progress, and project implementation.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence others.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
- Ability to engage with operational staff to enhance customer experience through cultural projects.
- Good influencing and negotiating skills.
- Ability to develop and manage a prioritised work programme.
Knowledge:
- Substantial relevant work experience in a similar field.
- Understanding of public transport issues and the structure of the public transport industry in London.
- Knowledge of the London travel market and different customer groups.
- Appreciation of relevant national and corporate standards, guidelines, and processes.
- Knowledge of financial reporting and cost control processes.
- Knowledge of contemporary art practice, artists, and musicians.
- Understanding of project delivery and how to develop a prioritised work plan.
Experience:
- Experience in coordinating cultural programmes.
- Understanding of the impact of cultural activity on business processes.
- Experience in delivering a prioritised work programme and planning accordingly.
- Experience in analysing data and producing targeted management reports.
- Experience in working collaboratively and flexibly.
Application Process
- Apply using your CV and a two-page covering letter in PDF format without photographs or images. Name your documents with the job reference number (e.g., “CV – applicant name – 012345”).
- The closing date for applications is 18th August 2024 at 23:59.
- Interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
Benefits
- Final salary pension scheme.
- Free travel on the TfL network.
- 75% reimbursement for National Rail travel or a 28-day flexi ticket.
- 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
- Hybrid working approach.
- Optional private healthcare discounted scheme.
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
- Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers.
- Discounted Eurostar travel.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
TfL is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. TfL aims to represent the city served, fostering innovation and efficiency. The recruitment process is inclusive, guaranteeing interviews for disabled candidates meeting essential criteria and using anonymising software to ensure fairness.
Photo credit: Photo by Thierry Bal, ‘A Taste of Home’ by Joy Gregory.
