Curator

Post: Curator
Team: Exhibitions
Line Manager: Head of Exhibitions
Contract: Full-time, 40 hours / 5 days per week
Location: Central London (predominantly office-based, with remote/flexible working by agreement with Line Manager)
Salary: £32,000 – £38,000 per annum
Pension: 6% gallery contribution, 2% employee contribution

About The Photographers’ Gallery

The Photographers’ Gallery explores how photography connects, captivates, and radically transforms contemporary society. The Gallery’s programme and spaces – including exhibitions, talks, workshops, digital platforms, a café, shop, and galleries – all reflect the beauty, complexity, and evolving future of photography. Located on the borders of Oxford Street and Soho, the Gallery attracts a diverse audience: photography experts, novices, artists, students, tourists, and passers-by.

With over 240,000 visitors annually, The Photographers’ Gallery is a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funded by Arts Council England, with current funding secured until 2026. Under new leadership, the organisation is undergoing a dynamic period of transition, shaped by a new strategic vision that places curatorial research and exhibition-making at its core. The Exhibitions team plays a central role in this vision.

About the Team

The Photographers’ Gallery has a dedicated team of approximately 45 full-time, part-time, and casual staff, based in its Soho premises. The Curator is a key member of the programming team and works alongside the Director, Head of Exhibitions, Curator (Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize), Curator (Photography & Technologies), and Assistant Curator. Together, the team delivers a programme of approximately ten exhibitions per year, focusing on British and international photography from 1950 to the present, including contemporary artists and those working at the intersection of photography and technology.

Purpose of the Role

The Curator researches, develops, and delivers exhibitions that align with the Gallery’s strategic direction and engage broad audiences. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, the postholder plays a collaborative role in shaping the exhibitions programme and contributing to its successful implementation.

Development Opportunities

The role offers ongoing opportunities to deepen expertise in photography and related media in an exhibition and publishing context. Professional development is supported across the organisation, and the Curator is encouraged to contribute ideas, acquire new skills, and grow in public and professional visibility.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Develop specialist knowledge in photography, including its social, cultural, political, and economic contexts.

• Conduct research that broadens the geographical and thematic scope of photography histories.

• Identify and research artists and photographers for solo and group exhibitions.

• Contribute to the development of the exhibitions programme.

• Cultivate a national and international network of touring partners and collaborators.

Exhibitions

• Lead on curatorial development and project management for exhibitions aimed at diverse audiences.

• Manage relationships with partners, artists, and lenders.

• Research, negotiate, and coordinate loans and contracts.

• Produce lists of works and convene internal meetings to ensure smooth exhibition delivery.

• Write accessible exhibition texts in line with the Gallery’s editorial standards.

• Liaise with departments including Communications, Development, Education, and Front of House.

• Design floorplans and collaborate on exhibition installation.

• Oversee logistics including transport, insurance, and artwork condition reporting.

• Manage production schedules, exhibition graphics, and marketing materials.

• Contribute to or oversee production of catalogues, including writing and editing.

• Manage exhibition budgets and maintain up-to-date project records and archives.

• Conduct exhibition tours for varied audiences, including press, patrons, and partners.

General

• Attend team, staff, and project meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.

• Represent the Gallery at national and international events, public talks, and juries.

• Be available for occasional evening and weekend work (with Time Off in Lieu provided).

• Participate in the public programme and fundraising initiatives as needed.

• Stay up to date with relevant tools and software; engage in continuous learning.

• Work in line with the Gallery’s policies, including commitments to inclusion and anti-racism.

• Contribute to internal working groups and organisational development where possible.

Person Specification

Essential/Desirable Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of British and international photography and its histories.

• Experience curating solo, group, or thematic exhibitions, including project leadership.

• Proven ability to write and edit exhibition catalogues.

• Experience working with partners, funders, and sponsors.

• Experience in budget management and fundraising.

• Excellent writing and communication skills for broad audiences.

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to build internal and external relationships.

• Competency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and willingness to learn new systems.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.

• A solution-focused approach to problem-solving.

• Interest in and commitment to The Photographers’ Gallery’s mission and activities.

Note: Candidates are not required to meet all criteria. Transferable skills and diverse experiences are welcomed.

Application Process

To apply, download the application form from The Photographers’ Gallery website. Completed application and monitoring forms should be submitted by email to vacancies@tpg.org.uk with the subject line Curator.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 12 May 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 19 May 2025